1. Moving Gifts
We made our last outing before their big move a little more fun by giving the kids cousins moving gifts. My toddlers loved shopping for their cousins and our cousins were tickled to be getting gifts for moving.
I really wanted something that our girls could all have to remember each other with and decided to print recent pictures and put them in a picture frame. You can find picture frames just about anywhere and there are many local stores that can print photos within the hour. This can also be a great gift for older cousins too.
We also got them matching friendship bracelets that they could wear and hold when they were missing each other. Other ideas I had for various age groups could be the Goodnight South Carolina book, Gamecocks attire, a cousin decorated pillowcase, and stationary to write letters to each other.
2. Care Packages
When I was younger, every couple of months or so we would send my cousins care packages. We would collect items that we thought they would like; some more serious items and some just plain silly items to make them smile. Once our box was filled we would wrap our items, write little notes, and ship the box to them. We would also get care packages back in return. Now, we can FaceTime when we get the packages to make it even more interactive.
3. Cousin Camp
This will be when our girls are older but something I would love to do. Each summer I would love to do a cousin camp where the cousins come visit us for a few days and we go visit our cousins for a few days and we call it cousin camp. We would do all sorts of local activities, crafts, baking, water balloon fights, swimming…Anything goes for cousin camp!
4. Cousin Game Night
Game nights are always a great way to connect with family! But how can you do a game night when you don’t live in the same city? Well, did you know that there are digital games you can play together via Zoom? My favorite is Pictionary, but there are so many options that are just a Google search away.
5. Cousin Movie Night
This can be for any age! Our girls are in their Disney princess movie era so this will definitely be a fun one. Choose their favorite movie to watch or let them decide. They can dress up, have fun snacks, and even start the movie at the same time so they are finished the same time. Once the movie is over they can call each other and chat about their favorite part, and future movie night movies. Or, have them on a video chat or a phone call while they watch the movie. Then they can fully enjoy it together.
6. Cousin Trips
There is no better way to spend time with family then on a trip! Find a location somewhere in between you and them or somewhere new to both of you, and meet up there for a fun family vacation. This can be a great way to build relationships and family bonding.
Regardless if your cousins are close by or far away, these things can be a great way to make family memories.
How do you keep your kids connected to their cousins?!
