When we recently read Lola Augustine’s Tweet about filling her bathtub with snow to make a real Barbie Aspen, we knew that we had to post about this.

That’s because Lola’s sweet image reminded us that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to create memories — or any money at all. All it takes is a little creativity. And we know that you’ve got some!

For example, Dr. Leah‘s kids LOVED pancakes shaped like Mickey Mouse. Or dinosaurs. To her kids, pancakes, no matter what the shape, mean happy family memories.

Rachel is proud of the $12 investment that she made years ago in a 1,200 feet of newspaper print roll. With a handful of washable paints, her daughter has made lots of masterpieces with this same roll, unraveled in the kitchen.

As much as we encourage you to get down on the floor and play with your kids — oh, please do! — we also understand the reality of being a single parent. There are only so many puzzles you can put together with your three-year-old — along with finger puppet shows and train set configurations — when there are dishes to wash and bills to pay.

What we love about Lola’s “Barbie Aspen” idea is that she set up the creative space for her daughter… and then her daughter use her imagination and have fun!

We’re sure that you have some ideas of your own to share. What are your own recent experiences?

(Photo courtesy of Gustavo G via Flickr)

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