At the end of each month, Toddler Time focuses on thematic activities for the littles in the upcoming month. Since May has so many possibilities - May Day, Cinco de Mayo, Mother's Day, and Memorial Day to name a few, this month here is one activity for each of those plus a special "holiday" using the same material for each: P*I*P*E  C*L*E*A*N*E*R*S!

1. May Day is celebrated on May 1 in many countries as a traditional springtime festival. These flowers are so quick and easy to make and the kiddos will love how they wiggle about.

Mr. G fascinated with pipe cleaner flowers

2. Here's our special holiday, celebrated on May the Fourth. May 4 is Star Wars Day! I found this cute idea to make character puppets. Mr. G is still a little young to love these, but dad sure did!

Adorable Star Wars Puppets!

3. The very next day, is Cinco de Mayo, a celebration of the Mexican Army's victory over the French in 1862. Ok, so this one didn't turn out quite as cute as I'd hoped, but using the Mexican flag colors, we created a spirit necklace to honor the day! Let your toddler twist and bend as he or she sees fit to craft some wearable art.

Wearable art inspired by the colors of Mexico

4. Ahh, that restful holiday full of love known as Mother's Day! Feel free to pass this activity off to dad while you take a long, hot bubble bath! Twist the ends together on two pipe cleaners and shape into a heart, with the tip in the middle. Cut another one in half and twist on each side of a heart to make the sides. Use a little piece to twist together the middle and voila, love goggles! Whoever wears them can only spot things he or she loves! (note: just be careful of pointy ends on the pipe cleaners near little eyes)

Love Goggles for Mom!

5. At the end of the month comes Memorial Day, and of course red, white, and blue are necessary. Twist up some fireworks of any size, and then dip the tips in paint and let your toddler go to town. Here's a tutorial from Crafty Morning.

Pipe cleaner fireworks make great paint brushes.

Have fun with your $3 pack pipe cleaners this month!