A typical name tag is boring.
Anyone can make a boring paper name tag for a child, but if you want something that stands out, you will need to get creative. Think outside the box to create pretty and playful three-dimensional tags, add pizazz to paper tags with glitter or beads, or re-purpose ordinary objects into distinctive name tags. Remember that the name tags are more likely to stay on if the kids like them. Does this Spark an idea?
Flower Tags
Buy bunches of silk flowers in different colors and styles. Use paint or glitter pens to write each child's name on the petals, or on a piece of ribbon attached to the bloom. If the boys object to flowers as being too feminine, write their names on large leaves of ivy or other attractive foliage instead. As an alternative to silk, make tissue paper flowers using instructions from the Nick Jr. website.
Origami Tags
Find simple origami patterns, like the traditional crane or a butterfly, pinwheel or frog that kids will enjoy making and wearing. Use colorful origami papers and print names on the outside before pinning to shirts. When kids do not need them any more as name tags, they can take them home and play with them or use them to decorate their room.
Buttons and Bows
Create colorful name tags for each child with ribbon scraps and assorted buttons. Sew or glue one button for each letter in the child's name to an appropriate length of colorful ribbon, then use a glitter pen to write the letters directly on the button face. Use flat topped, plain buttons for best results--those with holes may be difficult to write on legibly. Pin the ribbons so they hang down vertically.
Edible Tags
Make sugar cookies in playful shapes and write the kids' names in icing. Place each cookie in a re-sealable plastic bag with a small bow on the top to hide the pin for attaching to shirtfronts. After kids get to know one another, let them eat their treats or take them home. You could also hang the cookie bag from a ribbon around the neck instead of pinning it.
DIY Tags
Give each child materials to create their own name tag. Place children's scissors with stacks of colored papers, glitter pens, beads, markers or anything else you can think of that may be decorative and useful, on a table. As kids arrive, allow them make an original name tag masterpiece.
Tags: name tags, each child, child name, glitter pens, take them