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Win a $75 Gift Voucher

June 3, 2009 by Shellie Wilson

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Beau-coup Wedding Favors is offering our readers the chance to win a $75.00 gift voucher!

Check out their fantastic Do it yourself wedding favors which can be used for all types of events and parties not just weddings.

For your chance to win e-mail your full name and e-mail address to [email protected] and tell us which DIY favor you like the most on their website.

Competition Open -Worldwide

Competition Closes – 1st of July

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Comments

  1. Girlie Girl Army says

    June 4, 2009 at 1:15 pm

    Check out some hot, eco DIY projects on Girlie Girl Army- your guide to sustainable, animal friendly, glamazon living!

    Spread the GGA lovin’.

  2. Sherone Taylor says

    June 4, 2009 at 2:08 pm

    I absolutely love this site. Consider yourself bookmarked! Please enter me for the drawing.

    thanks!

    Sherone Taylor

  3. Mollie J McPherson says

    June 11, 2009 at 11:44 am

    Mollie McPherson
    [email protected]

    I love the wedding favors. They are not that hard to do and very beautiful also. Looks so professionally done. They can be used for not only weddings, any type of get togethers you want to make special.
    Mollie

  4. Shellie says

    July 2, 2009 at 4:19 am

    The winner has now been selected.
    Thank you to everyone who entered.

  5. Lauren Labona says

    September 17, 2009 at 7:24 am

    I love these ideas! They are adorable and would make for fantastic crafts and gifts. If you’re looking for wedding favor boxes or ribbon, you should go to boxandwrap.com. It’s a fantastic site with lots of ideas and products for a wedding!

Have you read?

Matariki Magic: Fun and Meaningful Activities for Kids to Celebrate the Maori New Year

Matariki is such a beautiful time of year here in New Zealand. As a mum of two (plus our chaotic dog Aloo), I’ve really come to love how this season invites us to pause, reflect, and reconnect—both with nature and with each other. The M?ori New Year isn’t just about looking to the stars; it’s about grounding ourselves in gratitude, remembrance, and community.

Over the years, I’ve tried out a few simple Matariki-inspired activities with my kids, and they’ve quickly become part of our winter traditions. Whether you’re new to Matariki or looking for ways to make it more meaningful for little ones, here are some fun, hands-on ideas to help kids engage with the celebration in a way that sticks.

 What Is Matariki?

Matariki is the name of the M?ori star cluster that appears in the early winter sky. Its rising marks the start of the M?ori New Year—a time to remember those who’ve passed, celebrate the present, and set intentions for the year ahead.

There are nine stars in the Matariki cluster, and each has its own special meaning. Some are linked to food sources (like water and land), while others connect us to wellbeing, weather, and the spiritual world. It’s a time rich in culture, reflection, and family connection.

 Matariki Craft & Activity Ideas for Kids

1. DIY Star Garland

This is such a calming activity for a rainy afternoon. Cut out nine stars from cardboard (cereal boxes work great), then let the kids decorate them with paints, markers, glitter—whatever you’ve got on hand. Each star can represent one of the Matariki stars.

Once decorated, string them together and hang them across a wall or window. It’s a beautiful way to bring the meaning of each star into your home.

2. Make a Matariki Wishing Tree

This one’s always a favourite. Collect a bare branch from the garden and place it in a heavy jar or vase. Cut out paper stars or leaves and let the kids write down their wishes or hopes for the year ahead. Tie the messages onto the branch with twine or ribbon.

It’s simple, personal, and brings so much heart into the space.

3. Prepare a Shared Meal (Kai)

Food is central to Matariki. It’s the perfect time to make a meal together—something seasonal and comforting. Whether it’s rewena (M?ori sourdough), vegetable soup, or even a shared breakfast, the idea is to come together and be thankful for what we have.

Talk about the food’s journey—where it came from, how it grows—and how it nourishes us. These are such great little moments for connection and learning.

4. Star Gazing & Story Time

Bundle up, grab a thermos, and head outside to spot the Matariki stars in the early morning or evening sky. Even if the weather doesn’t cooperate, reading M?ori legends and stories about the stars indoors is just as magical.

Some of our favourite picture books:

  • The Seven Kites of Matariki by Calico McClintock

  • Matariki by Melanie Drewery

They’re gentle, thoughtful, and perfect for all ages.

5. Painted Kindness Rocks

Have your kids ever painted kindness rocks? Matariki is a lovely time to do this. Use paint pens or acrylics to decorate rocks with stars, spirals, or symbols of light and growth. You can write uplifting words or messages on the back.

Then go on a walk and hide them in your neighbourhood—or gift them to friends or teachers.

6. Memory or Gratitude Cards

Cut out simple card shapes and invite kids to write or draw something they’re thankful for or a memory of someone they miss. These can be added to your wishing tree or kept in a memory box that you revisit each Matariki.

This is a gentle way to talk about loss, love, and the people who’ve shaped us.

Matariki is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a chance to pause and reconnect. These little moments we create with our children through craft, food, stories, and stargazing build memories that will stay with them for life.

If you give any of these ideas a go, I’d love to see what you and your wh?nau create. Tag us or send through your creations—we might even share them on CraftGossip.com!

From our family to yours, wishing you a season of warmth, wonder, and a sky full of stars.

 

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