Merry Christmas Ornaments from Disney Planes!

 This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PlanesToTheRescue #CollectiveBias

With two boys and FIVE nephews, we love all things rough, tumble and B-O-Y! When Disney Planes: Fire & Rescue came out earlier this year, we were some of the first to line up at the theater to catch the newest transportation flick. Now with Christmas around the corner, Disney Planes and the Planes movie are what’s on their wish list! If that’s not enough to push your Christmas into flight, check out these homemade Planes inspired salt dough ornaments – easy to make and perfect gifts for your little pilots. #PlanestotheRescue #CollectiveBias

 First up, make sure you purchase your favorite Disney Planes items from Walmart found in the toy aisles. Even better, right now there are several Planes goodies that are on Rollback! We picked up the Disney Planes: Fire & Rescue Die-Cast Vehicles, 3-Pack Rollback to $14.97, and the Disney Planes: Fire and Rescue Character Assortment die-cast on Rollback to $4.97. Shop for the whole flight crew and pick up the Disney Planes Fire & Rescue Deluxe Talking Vehicle Assortment Rollback to $19.97 or the Disney Planes Flight to the Finish Speedway Rollback to $24.97. You’ll also need to pick up a few other items – salt  & flour to make your ornaments.

Head home and try to keep the new Planes surprises from the little hands. Keep them occupied with this simple craft to decorate your tree and pass along to aunts and grandmas as gifts this season. One of the first steps is to make your dough. You’ll need two cups of flour, 1 cup of salt and 1 cup of water. Blend well until the dough starts to really mix up. Make sure to preheat your oven to 350 degrees!

Once the dough has combined thoroughly, you’re ready to roll! (If the dough is too sticky, add a few tablespoons of flour. Too dense, add a smidge of water.) Create a surface for the little hands to work and sprinkle some flour on your work surface. Give each little pilot some dough to work with and let them set to work rolling them out. Make sure you help even out each layer so the ornaments are even and not too thick or thin.

Next, choose cookie cutters that work for whatever you’re looking to create. My boys chose a plane, a truck, a car and a variety of other cutters, including traditional Christmas shapes and the letter Q (not sure of that significance). Let them start cutting the shapes out and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Re-roll and recreate your newest ornaments until all of the dough has been used up. We came up with about 20 average sized ornaments. Situate the ornaments on a cookie sheet within close proximity. They won’t spread too much, so you can fit quite a few on there. Remind your family that these salty surprises are not for consumption!

Use a straw to create a string hole in each prior to baking. This will ensure that you have an opening to thread string through for hanging.

Next, bake for about 8 minutes or until “cooked” through. Watch carefully so they do not begin to brown! Do not worry if they puff a bit – they will settle down once you take them out of the oven. While baking, let your Planes lovers play with their new toys! (Or in my case, put on a Christmas show, while you wrap up those goodies for Christmas morning!) Cool completely.

Lastly, create a paint station for the kids to create to their hearts’ content. Watch as the traditional ornaments turn into tie-dyed versions of Christmas cheer.

Finally, you’re ready to hang them! Choose a favorite ribbon and hang throughout your tree. If sending to a friend or family member, wrap up and send into flight.

How do you celebrate the holidays with your favorite littles?  What do you do to make sure your Christmas has a smooth landing?