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Educational Books for Kids {Gift Ideas & Homeschool Resources!}

December 5, 2016 by Aliesha

Educational Books for Kids of All Ages | Non-fiction books to inspire a love of learning! | Feathers in Our NestI love books.  Our kids love books.  We have SO many books in our home, but we keep adding more!  There’s just no better way to invest in our children’s minds than by buying good books for them!

Today I’ve compiled a list of some really incredible educational books for kids of all ages!  Many of these span various age levels, so you can plan on having these on your shelves for years to come.  Instead of grouping by age, I’ve grouped by topic… everything from science to geography to computer coding to art!  (You may realize that I left history off this list. I think that subject needs a post of its own!)

And what better time of year to buy books than at Christmas?  Stock up for the cold winter months so you have plenty of excellent reading material for those long, dark days!

Be sure to read all the way to the bottom of the post where I have an Amazon coupon code to share with you!

Educational Books for Kids

Early Learning/Skills
Educational Books for Kids of All Ages | Non-fiction books to inspire a love of learning! | Feathers in Our Nest

This bright & colorful board book is perfect for teaching colors to little ones!

Educational Books for Kids of All Ages | Non-fiction books to inspire a love of learning! | Feathers in Our Nest

This is another book by the same author. It teaches shapes!

Educational Books for Kids of All Ages | Non-fiction books to inspire a love of learning! | Feathers in Our Nest

My kids have all loved books like this one. The bright colors and real photographs are so fun!  There’s always something new to notice.

Language Arts & Handwriting

Educational Books for Kids of All Ages | Non-fiction books to inspire a love of learning! | Feathers in Our Nest

We have this activity book and it’s a lot of fun!  Perfect for preschoolers learning their letters.

Educational Books for Kids of All Ages | Non-fiction books to inspire a love of learning! | Feathers in Our Nest

I’m not even kidding… at least one of my children uses an Usborne Wipe-Clean book every day.  They are fantastic books!  My younger ones love to do this book while I work with Vera on her handwriting.

Science & Nature
Educational Books for Kids of All Ages | Non-fiction books to inspire a love of learning! | Feathers in Our Nest

We’ve used some of the Usborne Beginners series as part of our science curriculum this year. The text is easy to understand and the photos are gorgeous!  We really enjoyed the Caterpillars and Butterflies book.

Educational Books for Kids of All Ages | Non-fiction books to inspire a love of learning! | Feathers in Our Nest

This book is a great car activity or rest time book.  It has big, beautiful illustrations of undersea scenes, and there are things to find on each page.  Really neat!
Educational Books for Kids of All Ages | Non-fiction books to inspire a love of learning! | Feathers in Our Nest

We enjoy referencing this science dictionary!  It explains lots of science terms and concepts in easy-to-understand ways.

Educational Books for Kids of All Ages | Non-fiction books to inspire a love of learning! | Feathers in Our Nest

The kids love pouring over this book and learning about the human body!  They can’t even read it yet, but they like looking at the neat pictures!

Educational Books for Kids of All Ages | Non-fiction books to inspire a love of learning! | Feathers in Our Nest

This book is gorgeous!  The hand-drawn illustrations look like they came out of a nature journal.  Vera loves to copy drawings and diagrams out of it.  We also reference this one during school!

Educational Books for Kids of All Ages | Non-fiction books to inspire a love of learning! | Feathers in Our Nest

I don’t have this one yet, but it looks so fun!  It includes prompts and activities for little explorers (probably age 7 and up) as they create their own nature journal.

Geography
Educational Books for Kids of All Ages | Non-fiction books to inspire a love of learning! | Feathers in Our Nest

This looks like a beautiful book!  We don’t have it yet, but I would love to add it to our collection.  It shows many different homes around the world!  Great for teaching about animal habitats as well as about other cultures.

Educational Books for Kids of All Ages | Non-fiction books to inspire a love of learning! | Feathers in Our Nest

The Usborne Look Inside books are always so cool.  This one teaches geography!

Educational Books for Kids of All Ages | Non-fiction books to inspire a love of learning! | Feathers in Our Nest

We love learning about the states with this book!  The illustrations are graphic and fun.  It’s neat learning about our country!

Educational Books for Kids of All Ages | Non-fiction books to inspire a love of learning! | Feathers in Our Nest

This book has been on my wish list for a while.  I love looking at maps, and this book seems so fascinating!

Art & Drawing

Educational Books for Kids of All Ages | Non-fiction books to inspire a love of learning! | Feathers in Our Nest

When I got this book a while ago, it really inspired Vera to take her art to the next level!  Her drawings became more realistic and she grew in her confidence.  Very easy to follow the step-by-step directions!

Educational Books for Kids of All Ages | Non-fiction books to inspire a love of learning! | Feathers in Our Nest

Ditto to this book.  So easy to follow the instructions and draw people that are actually pretty good!

Educational Books for Kids of All Ages | Non-fiction books to inspire a love of learning! | Feathers in Our Nest

This drawing book will be wrapped up under the tree for one of our children this Christmas!  It looks so fun!

Educational Books for Kids of All Ages | Non-fiction books to inspire a love of learning! | Feathers in Our Nest

We’ve all been inspired by this art treasury.  It includes famous paintings and pieces of art, along with a way to emulate the style or method by which it was created.  We enjoyed the Jackson Pollock chapter especially!

Educational Books for Kids of All Ages | Non-fiction books to inspire a love of learning! | Feathers in Our Nest

This is technically for parents and instructors, but perhaps a motivated older child could read it themselves.  I bought it so I can teach my children how to draw. Very unique method of instruction, and it looks like it will be very fun to do!

Math & Technology

Educational Books for Kids of All Ages | Non-fiction books to inspire a love of learning! | Feathers in Our Nest

I really want this book!  With a husband in the technology field, we definitely want our kids to learn about computers and coding!  This one explains how computers work.

Educational Books for Kids of All Ages | Non-fiction books to inspire a love of learning! | Feathers in Our Nest

This is a bit above my kids’ level at the moment, but I think it will be a lot of fun when they’re ready!  Who doesn’t love stalling at bedtime?

Educational Books for Kids of All Ages | Non-fiction books to inspire a love of learning! | Feathers in Our Nest

Can’t wait to start doing some coding projects with our kids in a couple of years.  This book looks awesome!

Educational Books for Kids of All Ages | Non-fiction books to inspire a love of learning! | Feathers in Our Nest

I get asked ALL THE TIME how _____ works.  I need this book on my shelf for the science questions that are above my pay grade!

Poetry

Educational Books for Kids of All Ages | Non-fiction books to inspire a love of learning! | Feathers in Our Nest

We’ve been reading this poetry book in our homeschool this year.  Some poems are funny and some are serious, but all of them are accompanied by gorgeous photographs of animals.

Educational Books for Kids of All Ages | Non-fiction books to inspire a love of learning! | Feathers in Our Nest

This looks like a really neat poetry book too!  Maybe we’ll get it to read over the summer.

Theology

Educational Books for Kids of All Ages | Non-fiction books to inspire a love of learning! | Feathers in Our Nest

I’m so glad this book is the basis of our Bible curriculum this year!  It explains theology in such good (yet rich) ways.  Even Jude (3) can track with it.  Highly recommend!

Educational Books for Kids of All Ages | Non-fiction books to inspire a love of learning! | Feathers in Our Nest

I just bought this book for our family, but I want to start it already!  It looks really solid and teaches children theology through studying the names of God.

Educational Books for Kids of All Ages | Non-fiction books to inspire a love of learning! | Feathers in Our NestI’ve had this one my wish list for a while as well.  I think our kids are almost ready for it!

Other

Educational Books for Kids of All Ages | Non-fiction books to inspire a love of learning! | Feathers in Our Nest

One of our children is getting this book for Christmas.  I’m sure we’ll all enjoy it, though!  Love finding really great kid’s cookbooks!

______________________________________________

Whew!  I think this list should help you get started finding some amazing educational books for kids!  I always end up down a rabbit trail on Amazon once I start searching for books.  Not that that’s a bad thing… I often find some pretty great resources that way!

Do you have any of these books?

Today you can use code GIFTBOOK at Amazon to save $5 off any book purchase of $15 or more!  Coupon codes for Amazon are rare, so I’m always excited when I see one like this!

Feel free to pin this post for later!

Educational Books for Kids of All Ages | Non-fiction books to inspire a love of learning! | Feathers in Our Nest

Aliesha Caldwell is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Filed Under: books, gift ideas, gifts, homeschooling

DIY Caffe Latte Soap

November 7, 2016 by Aliesha

DIY Caffe Latte Handmade Soap - great gift idea! | Feathers in Our Nest

It’s been a while since I made any homemade soap, but last week I got the urge to try a new combination!  I created this caffe latte soap and I am so happy with how it turned out!  Not only does it smell amazing, but it looks so pretty too!  Also, the coffee beans in the soap are a mild exfoliant, which works well with the moisturizing goat’s milk.

This soap would be perfect if you’re looking for DIY Christmas gifts this year!  Almost anyone would enjoy a bar of handmade soap.

By starting with a melt-and-pour base, it’s easy to make many different varieties of homemade soap.  Hope you enjoy making this one!

DIY Caffe Latte Soap
 
Print
Author: Aliesha @ Feathers in Our Nest
Serves: 3 bars
Ingredients
  • 12 oz. melt and pour goat's milk soap base
  • 60 drops (1/2 tsp.) coffee essential oil
  • 2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped out (optional)
  • ¼ cup whole coffee beans
Instructions
  1. Prepare soap molds by sprinkling whole coffee beans in the bottom of the cavities.
  2. Grate soap base with a grater (it’s nice to use one that is dedicated to soap-making). In a double boiler or a glass bowl placed securely over a pot of water, melt grated soap base. Stir constantly with a popsicle stick or thin wooden dowel while it is melting.
  3. Remove from heat. Add coffee essential oil, vanilla extract, and vanilla bean seeds. Stir to combine.
  4. Pour melted soap into the mold. The coffee beans may float to the top, and that’s okay!
  5. Allow to cool at room temperature until hardened. Pop out of the soap mold. If you have trouble getting it out, stick it in the freezer for 5 minutes and then it should come out without a problem.
3.5.3217

Note: If you don’t have a soap mold, you can use something else, like a muffin tin, a bowl, or a small box, as long as you line it with freezer paper.  Here are some ideas!

Sources:  goat’s milk soap base or here  |  coffee essential oil or here  |  vanilla bean  |  silicone soap molds

DIY Caffe Latte Handmade Soap - great gift idea! | Feathers in Our Nest

You can wrap up the soap to give it away (I love to use brown kraft paper or cellophane bags like these), or you can use it immediately!

DIY Caffe Latte Handmade Soap - great gift idea! | Feathers in Our Nest

I also had fun putting together some labels to make these look like a favorite drink that comes in a red cup!

DIY Caffe Latte Handmade Soap - great gift idea! | Feathers in Our NestTo wrap your soap like this, first wrap it in waxed paper, then a sheet of red paper (scrapbooking paper or wrapping paper).  Add a band of brown kraft paper around the middle.  Download the labels I made here, cut out the circle logo design, and glue it onto the kraft paper band.  Too cute!

(You can, of course, use my recipe to make soap to sell, but the labels I created are for personal use only.)

DIY Caffe Latte Handmade Soap - great gift idea! | Feathers in Our Nest

If you make some of this caffe latte soap, tag me on Instagram to show me!

You may also like this recipe:

DIY Ginger Spice Cookie Soap | Feathers in Our Nest

ALIESHA CALDWELL IS A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR SITES TO EARN ADVERTISING FEES BY ADVERTISING AND LINKING TO AMAZON.COM.

Filed Under: gift ideas, gifts, health and beauty

Gift Guide for the Coffee Lover

November 2, 2016 by Aliesha

Gift Guide for the Coffee Lover! 10 Christmas gift ideas for friends who love to drink coffee | Feathers in Our Nest

Over the next few weeks as we count down to Christmas, I’ll be sharing several gift guides to help you shop for the people in your life! Today I’m sharing a gift guide for the coffee lover, whether that be your mom, friend, sister, brother, or husband… hopefully you’ll find an idea or two in this post!

Gift Guide for the Coffee Lover

Gift Guide for the Coffee Lover! 10 Christmas gift ideas for friends who love to drink coffee | Feathers in Our Nest

A French Press

Once you start making coffee in a French press, it’s hard to go back!  (I have directions here for hot coffee and here for cold brew in a French press!)  This one (pictured above) is beautiful!  We also owned this one.  We currently have this one.  Any of these would be excellent gifts for the coffee lover!


Gift Guide for the Coffee Lover! 10 Christmas gift ideas for friends who love to drink coffee | Feathers in Our Nest

Good Coffee

Good, whole bean coffee is a must, yes?  Never settle for pre-ground!  Tad loves the Hondoran Whole Bean Fair Trade Organic coffee from Aldi.  I love this Happy Belly coffee (pictured above) because it also comes in decaf!  It’s hard sometimes to find a good price on whole bean, fair trade decaf!  Who wouldn’t want some coffee in their stocking?

Gift Guide for the Coffee Lover! 10 Christmas gift ideas for friends who love to drink coffee | Feathers in Our Nest

Hand Grinder

According to my husband (a bit of a coffee snob aficionado), this hand cranked burr grinder achieves an even grind to make perfect cups of coffee without bitterness.  You can adjust the grind setting so you can grind coarse coffee (for the French press), medium (for pour over), and fine (for espresso).
Gift Guide for the Coffee Lover! 10 Christmas gift ideas for friends who love to drink coffee | Feathers in Our Nest

Hand Frother

When making lattes at home, a small hand frother is a must!  I have instructions in this post to make a latte at home without an espresso machine!  This one is from IKEA, but you can find it here.  Perfect stocking stuffer!

Gift Guide for the Coffee Lover! 10 Christmas gift ideas for friends who love to drink coffee | Feathers in Our Nest

A Coffee Table Book (get it?)

I’ve had this title on my wish list for a while now.  I love learning more about making coffee!  This book goes into a lot of history and cultural stuff related to coffee, which is perfect for the book nerd/coffee lover on your list.

Gift Guide for the Coffee Lover! 10 Christmas gift ideas for friends who love to drink coffee | Feathers in Our Nest

Mugs

I know, I know.  All of us coffee lovers have an insane amount of mugs already, but I found some new ones that are gorgeous.  Love this floral mug (pictured above), this mug, this one, and this classic favorite.

Gift Guide for the Coffee Lover! 10 Christmas gift ideas for friends who love to drink coffee | Feathers in Our Nest

Mug Rack

Where is your coffee-loving friend going to store all their mugs?  On this gorgeous mug rack, of course!  Think how cute this rack would be hanging over a little coffee bar!  This one is also cute if you want to go with a different style.

Gift Guide for the Coffee Lover! 10 Christmas gift ideas for friends who love to drink coffee | Feathers in Our Nest

Stamped Spoon

These vintage spoons stamped with fun coffee-related sayings are so fun.  I have one that Tad gave me several years ago that says, “I love you a latte.”  They make great little gifts or stocking stuffers!

Gift Guide for the Coffee Lover! 10 Christmas gift ideas for friends who love to drink coffee | Feathers in Our Nest

Flavor Syrups

I’ll be honest, I have a dream to one day have a shelf of Torani syrups so I can make ALLTHEDRINKS at home.  Totally reasonable, yes?  Grab the pumps too.

Gift Guide for the Coffee Lover! 10 Christmas gift ideas for friends who love to drink coffee | Feathers in Our Nest

T-Shirt

I keep seeing this t-shirt advertised on Facebook and I think it’s so fun!  I can think of several girlfriends who would love it.

Hope you enjoyed this gift guide for the coffee lover!

Click here for even more gift ideas in the archives!

Aliesha Caldwell is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Filed Under: gift ideas, gifts

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