DIY Light Box

Winters in Wisconsin are long (especially this year) and the days are short.  In my search to find some fun activities that take advantage of our early sunsets, I happened upon light boxes and tables.  But the price tags ranging from $50 to $400 were a bit more than I wanted to pay for something I knew my children would use a few months out of the year, but it gave me an idea.  And so I present to you my $5 DIY Light Box. 

To make this you'll need the following items:

• 1 plastic "frosted" storage tub/bin (or with a "frosted" bottom)
• 1 can of black spray paint
• Strands of white Christmas lights or tap lights

To make this light box I first covered the bottom of my bin (the one I found in my basement had clear sides and a frosted bottom) with paper and taped it neatly.  Next, I spray painted the sides of the bin black and removed the paper and tape.   If you can't find a frosted bin, I've discovered some plastic frosted sheets you could apply to the inside of your plastic box. 

We first tried tap lights inside the box which worked just fine, but I couldn't help but wonder if a strand or two of white Christmas lights would disperse the light a bit better...and so I ventured to our basement yet again and dug two strands out of a box.  I can't say if the Christmas lights provide better light or not, but I do know we stuck with them.  One corner of my bin had a crack which actually works perfectly for this project, allowing the light cord an exit from the bin.

And voilà, my light box was complete. 

The only money I spent on this light box was on some inexpensive toys from a local educational store, but even they probably weren't necessary.  My kids have enjoyed using the light box to trace pictures, they've laid out parquetry blocks to create silhouettes, and they love playing with their water beads on the box which roll around and feel squishy (it's a sensory explosion!). 

The TykeLight

Great Gift for Children!

I have tried a few different nightlights in my son's room but because he's such a light sleeper, I've found them to be the cause of many middle of the night wakings. But with the Mobi TykeLight, I can set the light to a 15 minute dimmer...the perfect amount of time for my son to relax from his day of discovery and peacefully go to sleep.

The TykeLight and TykeLight GloMate are safe as they are lit using efficient and heat-free LEDs. There are three settings: high light, low light and the 15-minute dimmer I mentioned earlier. And with many different colors, there is sure to be a TykeLight your child will be excited to share their nighttime secrets with.

The TykeLight retails for $12.99 and the TykeLight GloMate retails for $24.99. Both are availalbe at amazon.com.

DIY Dinosaur Light

I've discovered these lights for the little dinosaur lover in your family...and let's face it, every family has one! I didn't think my son would be into dinosaurs, but alas, we've already had three family outings to dinosaur museums in three different states.

These DIY Assemble Dinosaur Light kits are a great activity as they are a puzzle and a light in one...and are sure to be something your child will be proud of after building and lighting the lamp for their friends and family! And they're sure to scare off any frightening creatures your child is sure are lurking in their rooms after you've put them to bed!

Available in triceratops, tyrannosauruses, pterodactyl, and diplodocus for only $26.00 at gadget.brando.com.

J Schatz Egg Lamp

J Schatz has created an Egg Lamp that is the perfect night light to create a magical atmosphere for your drousy, sleepy little one.

The light is projected through tiny openings on the egg's surface and when lit, fill your child's ceiling with stars. The eggs are handcrafted, glossy ceramic earthenware with a brushed stainless steel lamp base.

Available in 8 color options to match any room decor or color scheme. Easily wipes clean with a cloth. Comes shipped with a 15 watt candelabra bulb...remember when replacing that clear bulbs produce the best projections!

Visit jschatz.com to purchase for $135.00

The Sun Jar

The Sun Jar is a great product to add to your home this summer. It soaks up sun during the day and then provides a lovely night light when it's dark.

How does it work? Well, it features an efficient solar cell, a rechargeable battery and LED lamps hidden inside so the solar cell charges the battery to power the LED lights. Did you get all that? Well, all you need to know is that a smart light sensor automatically activates the light when it gets dark out. But if you'll be away from home on vacation, the jar also has an "off" switch to turn out the light and conserve energy.

The Sun Jar is made of a real Mason jar, which is, by nature water tight. This makes it as happy outside in the rain as it is inside on a windowsill. It's perfect to add a glow at a dinner parties outside or to take to the fireworks this summer. And your kids will love the portable light and learning about solar energy!

The Sun Jar is available from thinkgeek.com for $34.99.

Owl Lamp

Who better to watch over your child through the dark than this softly luminous owl? With every feather perfectly replicated in porcelain, this wise night owl stands guard against bad dreams while beckoning a brighter day ahead.

Use it with a 10-watt bulb as a smart night light (75-watt bulb maximum).

Available from Art Effect in Chicago for $124.00

Vessel Lights

I use my Vessel lights on a daily basis. The Guardian light is plugged in near our stairs so that my husband and I can see as we sneak upstairs during the night to check on our children (our room is downstairs).

Both of my children have a set of Candeloo lights and have loved them for years. Their fun shape and colors appeal to children while their ability to recharge with ease attracts to me! They have been used in many forts, and my son has required "bluey" and "greeny" to ease him to sleep many a nights!

Vessel's product range has really expanded over the years since I first discovered them. They now offer various sizes and accessories such as color options for the Candela lamps...which are great for evenings under the stars when the wind would surely blow out the flames of traditional candles.

Visit vessel.com to view their entire collection, with prices starting at $29.00 for the Guardian.