Summer is finally here!

School’s out, and kids everywhere are looking forward to a long break from homework and tests. Whether they’re off to soccer camp or working up the nerve to attempt the local pool’s high-dive, kids are ready for some summertime F-U-N.

But no matter how much fun lies ahead this summer, we know that at some point we’re going to hear those two dreaded words: “I’m bored.” Be prepared with these great ideas to beat the summer boredom blues!

The Bored Jar

Dream up a list of fun things to do and fill a “Bored Jar” that kids can pick from when boredom strikes. Build a fort, bring flowers to a neighbor, invent a secret handshake, collect feathers—the sky’s the limit (and we won’t tell if you sneak a couple cleverly-disguised chores in there, too). Kids can use GelWriter pens to write on popsicle sticks, wooden tokens, or scraps of paper—making the jar is half the fun! If you need more inspiration, check out this list for lots of creative ideas.

Henna Hands

Who needs paper? Kids can use GelWriters to turn their hands and feet into works of art! GelWriters come in 70 unique colors, from neon to glitter, and kids will love making unique and beautiful designs that they can wear. This is a fun activity for slumber parties, and a great way to keep kids from getting bored on long car rides or plane trips. Our gel pens contain a non-toxic, water-based ink that washes off skin with soap and water, so cleaning up for dinner is easy.

Giant Coloring Pages

An enormous coloring poster is fun for the whole family—hang it on a wall and see if you can finish it before summer is over! Giant coloring posters have plenty of room for siblings and friends to color together, and kids will have fun finding all the silly animals and goofy characters hidden in the drawings. This is also a great activity to set up at weddings, parties, or family reunions for kids (and grown-ups, too!) who need a little quiet time. All of our GelWriter sets come in convenient storage stands, so you can keep your gel pens on hand and ready to color anytime.

Friendship Bracelets

What would summer be without friendship bracelets? These bracelets might not last as long as a best friend, but they sure are fun to make. Kids can use pastel, neon, and glitter gel pens in their favorite colors to make each bracelet unique—a fun activity for birthday parties, youth groups, and summer camps. Or instead of a lemonade stand, why not sell beautiful bracelets handmade with love?

Fairy Mobile

Make summer a little more magical with flying fairies! Kids can color in these whimsical fairies before they take flight—we recommend our glitter GelWriters for their extra-sparkly fairy dust powers. Mobiles add a special touch to a child’s bedroom or the garden, and this one makes a perfect addition to any fairy garden (don’t forget to put that one in the boredom jar!). Younger kids will need a little help putting the mobile together, but they’ll love seeing their own artwork dancing overhead.

We hope that helps add a bit of creativity and fun to your summer! You can always find us on Facebook for more ideas and inspiration—and be sure to share some photos of what amazing things your kids make over summer break.