Appreciate a Dragon Day – January 16

Reviewing Dragons for 'Dragon Day'

Stormy the Plush Dragon

In 2004, a school teacher named Donita K. Paul, decided to retire.  Shortly afterwards,  Mrs. Paul began a new career as a writer.  She created “Appreciate a Dragon Day” to celebrate the release of her first book, Dragon Spell, and as a way to celebrate literacy.  We now celebrate this day every year on January 16.

Available on Amazon

Dragon Spell is Book 1 of the Dragon Keepers Chronicles, a fantasy fiction series for children in grades 4 through 8.  Mrs. Paul went on to write a total of 6 books in this series, then moved on to write a 10-book series of the Dragon Chronicles.  


Today she is an award-winning novelist writing Christian Romance and Fantasy, but it looks like the mythical creature we call the dragon has become her favorite.

Things to do for Dragon Day

Since Mrs. Paul's dragon books are designed for children, she has a number of suggestions for kids to celebrate her 'Appreciate a Dragon Day'.  

• Take Pictures!

• One idea is to see how many pictures you can take of your favorite stuffed dragon in funny places.  

• How about reading a dragon book with your plush dragon at the library?  

• Picture the two of you eating a hamburger at McDonalds 

• Or, you and your dragon could play in the park and have fun sliding down the slide.

• Be Creative!

Draw a dragon or write a story about a dragon or put on a dragon puppet show. 

Check out How to Draw Dragons, a cute art lesson for children found on Emily Gravett's web site.  Emily is an illustrator and author of darling children's books, including  Cedric the Dragon.

• Sing a Dragon Song 

The most famous dragon of modern times has been immortalized in song.  Puff, the Magic Dragon was written by Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary folk group fame more than 50 years ago… and is still beloved by children (and their parents and grandparents) today.

Peter Yarrow

I got to see Peter Yarrow in person in Savannah, GA three years ago when he was one of the performers of our annual  music festival.  Before singing “Puff”, he called a couple dozen small children up on the stage with him and had them help sing the song.  

Peter Yarrow held his microphone down to a 5-year-old singing “Puff”.  She knew all the words, though even her parents had yet to be born when the song was written in 1963. Peter Yarrow told the audience that day that he had no idea the song would become so well known and beloved by generations of children.  He said he finds this very moving.

Personal Note:  Speaking of feeling moved, after the concert I stood in line to tell Peter Yarrow I had been a fan for almost all of his career and, really feeling overwhelmed, tearfully thanked him for the beautiful music and the 50 years of special memories.  He gave me a hug as I left, giving this folk music fan another wonderful memory.

Puff the Magic Dragon Book, CD & Plush Dragon Gift Set

Puff the Magic Dragon Gift Set

This children's book is based on the fabulous children's song written by Peter Yarrow and Lenny Lipton with beautiful illustrations by artist Eric Puybaret.

The book comes with a CD featuring not only Puff, but several other songs performed by Yarrow, his daughter Bethany, and cellist Rufus Cappadocia and a Puff, the Magic Dragon Plush Toy.

An adorable 3-piece gift set for all fans of "Puff", young and old.

Get Ready to Celebrate "Appreciate a Dragon Day"

Friendly Purple and Pink Dragon Classic Round Sticker by FaerieRita

So, whatever you choose to do to celebrate “Appreciate a Dragon Day” you are sure to have a wonderful time with this favorite of mythical creatures. 

Related Link:

Delightful Dragon Gift Ideas


(c) Article written by Wednesday Elf on 1/9/16.  Updated on 1/4/19

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article.

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Holiday Gift Guide: Online Shopping Directory

Shopping for just the right gift doesn't have to be difficult or chaotic. This birthday & holiday gift guide will help you find the perfect gift for every member of your family, for all of your friends as well as co-workers, truly everyone on your gift list.  

 

We know the sites listed in this guide are trustworthy and reliable sources.  So, sit back, relax and do all of your gift shopping right from the comfort of your own home.

These are not paid ads or solicitations. Placement in the Review This Holiday Gift Guide cannot be purchased.   

Each of these sites has been hand-selected by our own Review This contributors team to provide you with the very best shopping experience.

  BIRTHDAY SELECTIONS

SUGGESTIONS FROM MULTIPLE CONTRIBUTORS

 

SEE THE SITES BELOW FOR MORE GIFT IDEAS 

 

GIFT EMPORIUMS

TREASURES, TRAVEL, AND TALES:   A site as random and rambling as the author.  Dawn Rae firmly believes that the best gifts are those that create memories or relationships. Whether those relationships are with friends, family, and pets or with inanimate things such as the earth, books, and her beloved Jeep.  On the pages of this site you will find "treasures" which are Dawn Rae's gift recommendations, "travel" which will include great places for adventure in the mid-Atlantic region, and "tales" which will include book reviews as well as the author's journey in the writing world. To make a long story short, this sit should have been entitled, "Included, but not limited to." 

LOU 16:  Lou16 is a website with lots of gift ideas mixed in with zombies, dolls and a few ideas on how to earn money online. The author loves to discover new cool things that will make great gift ideas so no matter who you’re shopping for Lou could have the perfect gift waiting for you. 

 

 

JEWELRY

VICTORIA FREDERICK'S JEWELRY BOX:  Experience the real joy of jewelry!  I invite you to look inside my jewelry box where you will discover the most divine and beautiful jewelry available today.  From silver filigree to diamond laden pendants, I endeavor to offer the perfect gifts in jewelry and accessories with something for every budget.   

UNIQUE FASHION JEWELRY DESIGNS:  Not your typical jewelry! Bold, elegant and unusual jewelry. The kind of jewelry that shows off your own unique personality. From lizard bracelets to statement necklaces and many for showing your love of the holidays. Enjoy your funky side, your elegant and bold fashion, even your goth style with unique jewelry designs. If you have a passion for unique jewelry, your desires will be fulfilled here.

HOME DECOR

FUNK THIS HOUSE:  If you consider yourself an original who tends to plow their own path in life even when it comes to home decor, then you need to embrace your funky side by checking out the broad collection of colorful, unique, odd and somewhat off-the-wall ideas at Funkthishouse.com! Find ways to tap into your wacky side when you decorate! Why move from your home when you can just funk'n love it!

EASY HOME DECOR AND ACCESSORIES: Gifts for the home abound here. Choices for your favorite decor theme as well as holiday accessories. Decorative pillows, wall clocks, accent blankets, art posters and more. Styles to match every home decor from vintage to modern. Along with fun outdoor accents like garden flags. Choosing a gift for the home has never been easier.

BEAUTIFUL HOME & GARDEN DECOR:  Step into a dreamy world of beautiful home and garden decor where the selections are a combination of practicality and lovely appeal.   From the den to the bedroom, throughout the house and into the garden, we feature decor that enriches our everyday lives as we transform our home and gardens into our own private sanctuaries.  We can help you make your home a warm, comfortable and inviting reflection of yourself!

EASY KIDS BEDROOM DECOR: Find fun things to decorate your child's room in the colors and themes they love. Gifts for kids don't always need to be toys and clothes. Bedding sets in your child's favorite character make a great gift. Find colorful toy storage, fun night lights even wall decals to delight your child with the bedroom of their dreams.

HOUSE OF SYLVESTERMOUSE on Zazzle:  Many fabulous and exclusive photographs of nature scenes are featured, including mammals, flowers and insects, as well as prints of historical landmarks and art. These photos are offered on many different mediums including apparel, home & office decor, greeting cards, Christmas ornaments, and more. They are sure to add beauty and creativity to any wall or surface.

KITCHENS

HEART OF THE HOME KITCHENS:  Your kitchen is where you prepare meals, artistically create great food masterpieces, and share some of the greatest moments in life.  It is the heart of the home and should be filled with the tools that make cooking fun and easy, and dining a pleasure, not just a necessity. From specialty cookware to lovely serving pieces and holiday kitchen decor, we have what your "heart" desires.

KITCHEN BASICS SMALL APPLIANCES: Small appliances in the kitchen make creating great food easier. Give the gift of easier cooking with a small appliance. Everything from food graters to specialty cooking appliances, Kitchen Basics has them all. Find reviews for the best bread machines, how to work with a pasta maker, even the best chocolate melting pots. All at Kitchen Basics: Small Appliances.

WHIMSICAL TEAPOTS AND TEACUPS:  Share the fun of tea time with those on your gift list. Unique and delightful teapots and teacups, whimsical tea-for-one sets, flavored and tasty tea samplers and all the accessories. Whimsical Teapots and Teacups has charming gift ideas just to make tea time more fun for anyone.

FOOD & DRINK

GOURMET FOOD WORLD:  Specialty and gourmet items perfect for anyone on your gift list, including those-hard-to-shop-for friends. International treats, food gift baskets, specialty coffee and tea samplers, along with seasoning blends for the chef at heart. Gourmet Food World offers you suggestions and ideas for both unique and traditional food gifts.

ALL ABOUT WINE:  At All About Wine, it's more than just information. It's also those great gift ideas for wine lovers. Simple to fancy accessories for wine enjoying, functional to whimsical wine glasses and decanters, even delightfully fun home decor items just for wine lovers. All About Wine has you covered.

KOFFEE KINGDOM:  "Where Coffee Rules!"   Koffee Kingdom is truly the "kingdom" of coffee information & resources, coffee makers and equipment, coffee supplies, coffee recipes, coffee related gifts & decor.  For us, it is all about coffee. "I got a fever...and the only prescription is more coffee!"

GARDENING

EASY BACKYARD GARDENING: Your garden and backyard should be your own private sanctuary.  It is your place to rest, relax and simply enjoy the peace that only a garden can give. Easy Backyard Gardening offers plants, flowers and tree suggestions, gardening tool recommendations and easy care instructions to help you create your own backyard garden retreat.

GRAMMIE KNOWS HOW TO GARDEN: Gardening has been a passion for Grammie Olivia, forever.  Not only does she know lots about gardens, tips and tricks, flowers, vegetables and weeds, but she loves to share her knowledge with novice gardeners and experts alike.  You will find all kinds of interesting things here, from Garden Decor, Gifts for Gardeners, New and Improved ways to make gardening easier.  Even help for “Older Gardeners”  who can’t give up the idea of  getting their hands in the ground.

From the Balcony to the great Outdoors, Grammie Olivia, writes for all gardeners, bringing new tools, seeds, trends in the garden, and a love for Mother Nature and all her garden friends!  The ones with two legs, four and more legs, two wings or more.  The ones that hop, jump, scurry and fly!  They are all integral players in the Great Outdoors.  Some are Beneficial and some are not, Grammie Olivia helps you to keep the ones that are great and naturally deter the ones that are not!  

Grammie Olivia welcomes you and your friends to ask questions, share advice, join in a group of people who love to garden.  Looking forward to hearing from all of you!

 

CHILDREN

COASTAL CROCHET CRAFTS: Journey with me to my 'Land of Crochet' where little plush animals romp & play. 

Here you will find hand-crocheted 'critters' who are brightly colored soft 'stuffies' in many shapes and forms from penguins to puppies, barnyard buddies, zoo animals, seaside stuffies and more.

Coastal Crochet and Crafts Shop also has handmade household décor in the shape of beverage coasters and tissue covers in many themes.

TOY AND GAME WORLD:  Family fun is what Toy and Game World is all about. Toys for the kids of all ages, from building toys to special dolls. Games for the whole family to enjoy, from easy to complicated, including unique board games. Enter the world of toys and games to find the best gift ideas for the whole family.

TOY TIME TREASURES: The premier selection of toys available for our children today. We invite you into our world of wonderful toys that provide hours of fun and a touch of fantasy.   Dolls, Dragons, Castles, Tents, Plush Animals to Hold or Ride, Play Kitchens, Workshops and so much more. We have what you have been looking for and more!

TOY TREASURES:  "Toys that capture our attention and hold our hearts!"    At Toy Treasures, we are kindred spirits and avid collectors all.  We understand the desire to have our own menagerie of collectibles.  Today’s toys will become tomorrow's greatest keepsake in the hearts and minds of our children.  Discover today's plaything and tomorrows heirloom.

SPECIALTY GIFTS

AT HOME SPA WORLD:  Give the gift of pampering with At Home Spa goodies. Gift ideas include scented sets and gift baskets, equipment for perfect body care, even aromatherapy sets. From rejuvenating skin care to relaxing foot baths, At Home Spa World offers great gift ideas for pampering time.

THE BUBBLE BATH:   We all deserve the luxury of a bubble bath. So relax and enjoy finding the best gift ideas just to create the ideal bubble bath. Soak away aches and pains, relax the mind and body, even rejuvenate the spirit with bubble bath gifts. More than just bubbling soaps, The Bubble Bath include those fun tub extras.

LEFT HANDED WORLD Left-handed gifts for every lefty on your list. Everything from sports equipment for kids to the perfect funny t-shirt for lefties. "I'm left-handed. What's your super power?" Kitchen knives, craft supplies, even watches just for those of us who are left-handed. Brought to you by a lefty for lefties.

LIGHT HOUSE ENTHUSIAST:  Are you looking for a gift for a lighthouse enthusiast. At this site you will find a wide variety of gifts from mugs, posters, magnets, dishes, ornaments and much more. There are over 100 different lighthouses depicted on the products in my shop. Stop by and browse the store to find the perfect gift for that lighthouse lover on your gift list.

CRAFTS

 

WEDNESDAY ELFS' EBAY STORE:  Crafting visitors to my eBay site will find a wide variety of craft patterns for every season and occasion for crafters in crochet, knitting, cross stitch and sewing. Along with patterns, I have craft supplies (yarns, trimmings, accessories, etc.) available. As a crochet and needlework crafter myself, I also feature new ready-to-use-or-give handcrafted items for holiday, seasonal, birthday and 'just because' gifts.

CHRISTMAS CRAFT KITS: Your destination for fast and easy Christmas crafts, or handmade Christmas gifts to make and give to your family & friends, we offer a variety of beautiful Christmas crafts.   Visit us today and enter the home of Christmas Craft Kits where a world of crafting fun in felt, cross stitch, plastic canvas, crochet and more, are waiting for your hands to turn the pieces into cherished keepsakes.

HOUSE OF SYLVESTERMOUSE EBAY STORE:  Explore a crafter's paradise filled with the variety of crafts, craft kits, patterns, books and supplies.  As a fellow crafter, this is truly my own personal world of experience and creativity.  I also offer some great gift selections for just about anyone on your gift list, not just the crafters.

GREETING CARDS

 

THE GREEN-EYED CAT GIFT SHOP:  The Green-Eyed Cat Gift Shop's high-quality greeting cards feature our own photography and a selection of customizable birthday, Mother's Day and Father's Day, and all-occasion cards for dog lovers, people who like flowers, and even recipe cards.  Personalize a card with your own message if you like, choose a size, and rest assured that you'll love the 100% satisfaction-guaranteed results.

THE COOL CARD SHOP:  The Cool Card Shop has a lovely selection of greeting cards for you, from birthday cards to Christmas cards, Valentine’s Day Greetings to Mother’s Day Cards. 

HOUSE OF SYLVESTERMOUSE GREETING CARDS:  In the House of Sylvestermouse, I specialize in beautiful photography.  I offer greeting cards with lovely photos of animals, travel destinations, flowers, and more featured on the front.  Some of my cards have inspirational messages inside, but most are left blank for you to add your own personal greeting or note.  When you want a beautiful picture, come see me.  Also, if you see any photo in my store that you would like to have made available on a greeting card, simply let me know and I will gladly add it to the greeting card selections.

APPAREL 

CHERYLSART:  From designs for kids to adults, we’ve got you covered. Find outline designs to wear as they are or the kids can have fun painting them in! Find flower shirts for the ladies and some cool Tool Man designs for the men. Find tees for baby too, and animal shirts for the whole family.  Any design can be ordered on any shirt style and/or size.

MORE HOLIDAY WEBSITES

EASTER

EGGSCITING EASTER:  An eggs-cellent place for all of your Easter fun!  Easter decor and decorating ideas, party planning and apparel, recipes, gifts, Easter candy and treats for an Egg-cellent and Egg-citing Easter!

HALLOWEEN

HALLOWEEN HAVEN:  Hauntingly memorable Halloweens start here!  Like a lot of great parties, Halloween Haven has multiple hallow-hostesses who have joined our knowledge and experiences together in order to create a frighteningly fantastic place for all of your Halloween fun.  We feature the best Halloween costumes and jewelry, Halloween indoor and outdoor decorations, Halloween party ideas and recipes, as well as Halloween collectibles. 

EVERYTHING HALLOWEEN:  Everything Halloween is your online destination for everything Halloween as the name suggests! We do have a heavy emphasis on costumes as we love fancy dress on any day of the year, but Halloween is definitely the best time! 

HALLOWEEN FUN SHOPPE:    Halloween decor and anything fun related to Halloween. We have food, drinks, and recipes, party ideas, indoor decor, outdoor decor, crafts, and activities for kids. We even have Halloween movie reviews. And we have Halloween costumes, lots and lots of Halloween costumes. Ready made, and "how to" pages so you can make your own.  We feature the best Halloween costumes and jewelry, Halloween indoor and outdoor decorations, Halloween party ideas and recipes, as well as Halloween collectibles.

CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS TIME TREASURES:  Bring the magic and wonder of Christmas home!  Make Christmas memorable with our Christmas decorations, recipes, holiday party invitations, and Christmas apparel.  We also feature a selection of Christmas gifts that will be treasured for years to come.

CHRISTMAS TREE IDEAS:  Christmas Tree Ideas as the title suggests offers ideas for your Christmas tree from the tree itself to different themed ornaments, tree skirts and tree toppers. Purchase new ornaments from the comfort of your own home or just get some inspiration for your holiday décor. 

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS:  Christmas Holidays is a POD store spreading the joy of Christmas with ornaments, t-shirts, cards, throw pillows, gift wrap and more! 

VALENTINES DAY

BE MY VALENTINE WORLD:   Explore a world of fun and romantic ideas for valentine's decorating, cards, parties, apparel and creating special memories on Valentine's Day.  We will help you plan a romantic dinner and find a gift your Valentine is sure to love and cherish.  Be My Valentine World also has a section just for children and Valentine's cards for classroom exchange.

You May Also Enjoy:

 

COOKING FOR THE HOLIDAYS   Discover recipes, tips and suggestions for Cooking for the Holidays, or any day of the year.

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How to Put Fun into Your Holidays

Wouldn't we all love to put some fun back into our holiday preparations? Here are tips to help you do just that. Remember those days as a kid when the holidays were all about excitement, anticipation and just plain fun. It's time us grown-ups got to enjoy that as well.

Shop Online for Some Fun

Skip the crowds, the traffic, the lines and the surly salespeople. Shop online for just about everything you need from holiday decorations to gifts. The contributing writers for Review This put together a great holiday gift guide just to help you do that very thing. 

You can get in the mood for some fun Christmas time while still

curled up in your pj's and fuzzy bunny slippers. Just do it online. Christmas Time Treasures has lots of those great pages to help you with holiday decorations for your home, like pre-lit Christmas trees, festive kitchen towels, even holiday cats on decorative pillows (www.web-surfing-with-susan.com/christmas-cat-throw-pillows). 

Get your Christmas tree decorated with personalized ornaments or something even more fun like Eiffel Tower ornaments (www.web-surfing-with-susan.com/eiffel-tower-christmas-ornaments). Holidays are definitely easier and much more fun when you shop online from the comfort of your own home. 

Take Some Time to Relax

Since you won't need to spend many extra hours fighting the malls and the traffic, use that time to relax and do something you love. For me, it's a long hot bubble bath with festive scented soaps (www.the-bubble-bath.com/get-in-the-holiday-spirit-with-a-festive-bubble-bath) and reading a great Christmas mystery book (www.mysterybookworldlive.com/holiday-mysteries/christmas-mysteries).  Now, we're talking relaxing. 

Whatever you like to do to relax, do it. Your own holidays will be more fun. More like those days when you were a kid and the whole month of December was all about the excitement, anticipation and fun.

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