"Random acts of kindness"... this phrase has been used a lot since the mid 90s, when the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation was formed. Random acts of kindness are all about doing nice things for friends, family, and strangers—from simple acts like sharing a smile to larger endeavors such as volunteering at a charity—just for the sake of doing them. The idea is that spreading kindness brightens the day of both the giver and the receiver and encourages the receiver to perform their own random acts of kindness, creating a contagious wave of good deeds.

Of course, adults aren't the only ones who can benefit from random acts of kindness. Teaching kids kindness from a young age helps them learn good manners and respect, increases their own happiness and self-esteem, and helps them grow up to be kind adults.

Need some inspiration? Here are 25 random acts of kindness ideas to share with your children. The list includes random acts of kindness that kids of all ages can do at home, in the community, and at school. For more ways kids can show kindness to their loved ones and to the Earth, check out our list of 101 questions to ask grandparents about their lives and our ideas for how kids can help fight climate change.

There's something so special about DIY Christmas ornaments that make them the stars of the Christmas tree each year—especially when they're made by little hands. Fancy store-bought ornaments may be pretty, but they just can't hold a candle to salt dough handprint ornaments, popsicle-stick reindeer, seashell snowman, and other DIY ornaments kids can make themselves (or with a little help from a grown-up). Plus, DIY Christmas ornaments make great gifts for friends, family, and teachers.

Here are 25 DIY Christmas ornaments to make with kids of all ages, from toddlers and preschoolers to tweens and teens. For more crafty holiday fun, check out our list of 101 Christmas crafts, games, and activities for kids and our Christmas Activities and Holiday Fun Guide for Kids.

The best consignment shops in Connecticut let parents save and make money. Kids are always growing, as are their clothing and shoe sizes. Keeping up can pose a challenge and someties strain a budget. Connecticut's consignment shops can meet your family's needs with amazing selections and discount prices. Beyond clothing, many of these stores have toys, gear, furniture, and more. Consignment shops in Connecticut are great options to save money with gently used clothing for kids—and parents! In addition, consignment stores buy quality goods, letting parents earn back some money with those barely used items. Finally, consignment shops give customers a new meaning to sustainability by purchasing and selling items that would otherwise end up in a landfill. Whether you're buying, selling, or both, here is our list for best consignment shops in Connecticut.

For more great ways to stretch the family budget, check out our guide to Fun Free Things To Do for Connecticut Kids. And keep an eye on our Events Calendar for the latest activities, fairs, and seasonal markets around Connecticut!