unicorns

Unicorn Store Dramatic Play Center

March 25, 2025 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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Unicorns are majestic imaginary creatures who have inspired many gorgeous artworks. They add beauty to clothing and are captivating subjects in children’s picture books. They “have a moment” in this Unicorn Store dramatic play center. It’s a fitting center for International Unicorn Day, noted on April 9 each year, and would be a huge hit any time.

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Supplies in the Unicorn Store

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The following supplies are in this fun-filled Unicorn Store dramatic play center:

unicorn figurines, toys, and finger puppets
unicorn head reusable ice cubes
disposable unicorn tray and plates
unicorn cups
unicorn stickers and sensory bag
play cupcakes
erasers
reusable ice cube diamonds and stars
play money
unicorn-themed gift bags

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The Unicorn Store Dramatic Play Center

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Most of the items in this Unicorn Store display purple, pink, turquoise, and white colors. These hues are popular in unicorn supplies.

Unicorn figurines, finger puppets, and other toys are showcased in the center. Dollar stores feature these types of accessories for economical prices.

The unicorn-themed plates, cups, and tray were beautiful finds at a party supply store.

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Unicorn artwork commonly includes stars, diamonds, rainbows, flowers, butterflies, and cupcakes. These items are included in the center in arty erasers, reusable ice cubes, and play food.

Unicorn-themed gift bags are beauties to behold and several gorgeous designs are in the center.

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The play money is adorned with unicorn-themed stickers. This is inspired by a 15th-century Scottish king who had gold coins with unicorn images made.

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Benefits of the Unicorn Store Dramatic Play Center

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A primary interest in setting up this store for my little learners was to honor their interest in unicorns and give them a chance to observe and play with beautiful supplies. The center has many other benefits. Children can:

count and sort unicorns.
take turns being a storekeeper and customer.
label and describe store supplies.
count and use play coins.
develop their imagination while using the supplies.

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More Unicorn Activities

Unicorn Watercolor Art
Unicorn Playdough Tray
Unicorn Theme Sensory Play
Unicorn Marble Painting
Unicorn Puppet Craft

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[Read more…]

Unicorn Watercolor Art

July 11, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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Tempera paint pucks are a great medium for decorating a unicorn template, as they have a whimsical watercolor look. They come in a variety of bright, vibrant hues, and an added bonus is that the paint dries quickly. In this unicorn watercolor art project, painted unicorns are included in a pretty paper craft scene.

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Supplies To Collect

Supplies to create a stinning unicorn scene with tempera paint pucks and fadeless construction paper. A free unicorn template is available to download.

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Gather the following supplies to complete the beautiful unicorn scene:

non-toxic tempera paint pucks in a variety of colors
paint cake trays or muffin tins
paintbrushes and pots
8 ½ inch x 11 inch white cardstock paper
8 ½ x 11 inch green and light blue cardstock paper
metallic cardstock
circle paper punch
pencil and scissors
glue stick or glue gun
waterproof tablecloth or newsprint

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The Unicorn Watercolor Art Project

To start this stunning mythical-themed art project, first trace and cut out unicorns from white cardstock paper. Download the free template below for the activity, or choose your own design.

Download this free unicorn template for art and craft projects.

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Unicorn PrintableDownload

This printable is for individual or one classroom use only.

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Next, cover a table with a waterproof tablecloth or newsprint.

Then set up stations with a paper unicorn, paintbrush, paint pot filled with water, and tray with tempera paint pucks in bright hues.

Invite each participant to dip their paintbrush in water and generously wet a paint puck, and then begin painting their unicorn. Between colors, paintbrushes should be rinsed in a pot of water.

Tip: Prewetting tempera pucks with a paintbrush and water makes this activity easier for little learners and helps them get off to a good start.

When completed, set aside the decorated unicorns to dry. This will take under an hour.

If there is time, participants may enjoy more watercolor painting on a rectangular or square piece of cardstock or copy paper.

After everyone has finished, rinse off the paint trays, pat them with a paper towel to remove excess water, and let them dry.

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Creating A Unicorn Scene

To create a beautiful unicorn scene for each painted creature, cut a narrow, green strip from fadeless construction paper to represent grass.

Using a glue gun or glue stick. adhere the green strip to the bottom of a piece of light blue construction paper.

Then punch or cut a circular sun from metallic cardstock in a hue that complements the painted unicorn.

Finally, glue a sun and unicorn to the blue and green construction paper background, and pencil in a unicorn eye.

Note: Older children can complete these unicorn scene steps on their own.

A stunning unicorn art project with tempera paint pucks and fadeless construction paper. Download a free unicorn template for the activity.

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Watercolor-painted cardstock or copy paper would also work nicely as a backdrop for a painted unicorn.

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Non-Toxic Paint Pucks

Non-toxic tempera paint pucks are a nice resource to have in your collection of art supplies. Here is a little more information about them:

Tempera paint pucks are watercolor paints in a puck or cake form.
These easy-to-use paints come in many beautiful hues.
Color possibilities are limitless, as the paints can be mixed to make new hues.
The paint cakes sit nicely in art trays or standard muffin tins that stack easily and take very little room when stored.
The non-permanent paints can be used on paper, cardboard, fabric, and wood.
Adding differing amounts of water to the cakes results in different effects and lighter and darker shades.
Crayons and oil pastels work beautifully with the tempera paint pucks.
This art medium requires minimal preparation and clean-up time and is easy to use with a large group or classroom of students.
The tempera pucks and trays are inexpensive to buy and last a long time.

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Related:

Unicorn Playdough Tray

Unicorn Puppet Craft

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[Read more…]

Unicorn Playdough Tray

April 5, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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Elegant, majestic unicorns provide endless inspiration for clothing, art, cooking, and early learning activities. The single-horned mythical creatures make an appealing subject for a unicorn playdough tray. This pastel and gold-infused tray will surely add a dose of magic to your child’s day!

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

Gather the following supplies for this fantasy playdough tray:

unicorn figurines
star and unicorn cookie cutters
unicorn table confetti
miniature wood forest and princess shapes
pastel round gems
gold rocks
white compartment tray
neutral and pastel playdough

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Unicorn Playdough Play Tray

Set up this unicorn theme playdough tray in minutes. The best playdough recipes are featured.

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Make a fresh batch of playdough, or use the dough you have on hand. I feature two shades I previously used in a Valentine’s Day playdough tray, and my basic, go-to recipe. These recipes are also included in this post.

Place the unicorn-themed loose parts in a compartment tray, positioning the playdough in the center.

Set the playdough invitation on a table along with rolling pins and other modeling tools for children to enjoy. Watch the magical play unfold.

The best playdough recipes are featured in this fun fantasy unicorn playdough invitation.

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Note: Other loose parts that could be added to this unicorn playdough tray are glitter, a star wand, unicorn hair, flowers, cupcake decorations, pom poms, pipe cleaners, bead garland strips, rainbows, and Easter grass.

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Basic Playdough Recipe

My go-to basic playdough recipe has the following ingredients:

2 cups flour
1 cup salt
4 teaspoons cream of tartar
2 cups water
3 tablespoons oil

Add the first three ingredients to a sturdy pot and mix together.

Stir two tablespoons of oil into two cups of water.

Add the water and oil to the dry ingredients and combine.

Heat the pot on the stove on medium heat.

Stirring frequently, cook until the mixture is no longer glossy and the dough forms a ball.

Scoop the dough onto a cutting board.

Knead when cool, adding one tablespoon more oil.

Store the playdough in a sealed plastic bag.

The best playdough recipes are featured in this magical unicorn playdough invitation.

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Jello Playdough

To make deep, pinkish-red strawberry playdough, boil the water and stir in two 85 gram packages of strawberry jello powder. Next, mix in two tablespoons of oil. Add the hot-colored water mixture to the dry ingredients in a pot as above, and finish making the recipe the same way.

To make the pastel blue playdough, use one 85 gram package of blueberry jello.

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Have something special you would add to this unicorn playdough tray? Share in a comment below.

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Related: Unicorn Theme Sensory Play

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More Themed Playdough Activities

Circus Playdough Tray

Set out this cheerful circus playdough invitation for your little learners to explore. A playdough recipe is included.

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Pet-themed Playdough Tray

Glam Skeleton Playdough Tray

Reptile Theme Playdough Tray

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Apple Playdough Tray

Watermelon Playdough Tray

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[Read more…]

Unicorn Theme Sensory Play

March 26, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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Dyed chickpeas in pastel shades and gold tones provide the perfect base for these unicorn theme sensory play ideas. Add unicorn figurines and loose parts and you’ll have the perfect setup for fun and engaging sensory play. Read on for instructions on how to easily dye chickpeas in a variety of dreamy colors, and use them as a base for sensory trays.

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How To Dye Chickpeas

A quick and easy way to dye chickpeas is with acrylic craft paint. Acrylic paint comes in every color under the sun and is economical to purchase at Dollar stores. This paint also dries quickly.

How to easily dye chickpeas with acrylic paint for colorful sensory play.

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Gather the following supplies:

large bag of dried chickpeas
acrylic craft paint in white, gold, turquoise, hot pink, and light pink hues
measuring cup
tablespoons
large sandwich bags
disposable plates or trays

Scoop one cup of chickpeas into a large sandwich bag. Add a tablespoon of craft paint. Seal the bag well and knead the chickpeas for a few minutes until they are covered in paint.

Open the bag and set it on a table. After five to ten minutes, pour the chickpeas onto a tray or disposable plate. They will be completely dry in about fifteen more minutes.

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Repeat the same process for all the colors. In the activities below, I feature hot pink, white, turquoise, gold, and ice pink hues. Other popular choices are pastel shades of yellow, blue, and purple. You can pick colors to complement the unicorn figures and accessories you have available.

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Unicorn Theme Sensory Play Ideas

Dyed chickpeas work beautifully as a base for sensory trays. Spread the chickpeas in rows in a rectangular or square kitchen tray or a white plastic bin.

How to easily dye chickpeas with acrylic paint for colorful unicorn theme sensory play.

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Then add any of the following accessories to the tray:

unicorn figurines
rainbow and unicorn erasers
miniature flower toys
metallic gold rocks
princess figurine
paper unicorn head cutouts
tiny unicorn head storage containers

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The tray below features unicorn erasers and rainbows.

How to easily dye chickpeas to use as a base for an eye-appealing unicorn-themed sensory tray.

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In this next tray the erasers are swapped out for toy flowers and princess and unicorn figurines.

Dreamy unicorn-themed dyed chickpeas provide an eye-appealing base for a unicorn sensory tray.

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Your early learners will likely mix the chickpeas together as they sort and sift through the tray.

For renewed interest and extended play, you could change or add sensory supplies.

Set up this attractive unicorn theme sensory play tray using dyed chickpeas as a base. Use acrylic craft paint for an easy dye process.

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What other accessories would work well in a unicorn theme sensory play tray? Share in a comment below.

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Related: Chinese New Year Sensory Play

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[Read more…]

Unicorn Marble Painting

March 13, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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This unicorn marble painting project is so much fun! Using a frisbee in the activity adds an unexpected element to the art experience. The open-ended process art project results in stunning finished pieces every time, especially when a unicorn template is used. Take advantage of the free one available to download in this post.

A stunning unicorn art project with a marble painting technique. A free template is available to download.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

standard size frisbee
bag of marbles
red, yellow, blue, white, and black tempera paints
paint cups
spoons
white cardstock
metallic red and gold cardstock
9 x 12 inch fadeless yellow construction paper
scissors
glue stick

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The Unicorn Marble Painting Project

The steps for a unicorn marble painting art project that has stunning results every single time. Take advantage of the free template to download.

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Cut a unicorn head from white cardstock. Download this unicorn art template if desired.

A free unicorn template available to download for art and craft projects.

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Unicorn Art PrintableDownload

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Cut a circle moon from metallic gold cardstock, and a horn from red.

Place the unicorn head inside a frisbee. To make things less messy, you could line the frisbee with a paper circle first.

Tip: A shallow box or a baking tray could also be used for the art project.

Pour red, yellow, blue, white, and black tempera paint into small paint cups.

With spoons, drip each color onto the unicorn head.

Drop two marbles into the frisbee.

Tip the disc from side to side, and watch the marbles drag the paint around.

Take the paper unicorn out of the frisbee when you are done and let it dry on a flat surface.

Using a glue stick, adhere the unicorn onto a yellow construction paper background. Add a sparkling red horn, and a gold moon.

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The primary paint colors in addition to black and white give the project a Piet Mondrian look. But the colors may blend to make new ones, which is always exciting!

The art project is so satisfying, your participants will want to make a few of them.

Stunning unicorn art projects with a marble painting technique. A free template is available to download.

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[Read more…]