It’s almost time for everyone’s favorite Irish holiday: St. Patty’s Day! Sure, the holiday is generally known for lots of drinking and partying ’til the day is done, but that’s not to say you can’t have fun with the whole family. Looking for ways to celebrate with the kids or for a few quick fun facts about the holiday? The luck of the Irish is on your side because we have an Irish soda bread recipe, fun games and crafts, Irish sayings, Irish songs, and even some pouch covers to get your kids in the St. Patty’s Day spirit.

St Patricks Day Crafts and Games: You don’t have to be Irish to get the kids excited about the holiday and in the crafting spirit. And what’s more exciting than a craft you can make and eat? Nothing as far as we’re concerned. These leprechaun hat cookies are super cute and require few supplies. Plus, you can choose to either bake your own cookies or use store-bought cookies for an easier option. We’re also completely in favor of DIY games– what could be wrong with a craft and a game all in one? This cute board game is great for young kids and will have them leaping like a leprechaun to celebrate St. Patty’s Day. And, of course, we have an adorable St. Patrick’s Day pouch cover to make your GoGo squeeZ as festive as possible. Download here.

Irish Soda Bread Recipe: Perhaps one of the most well-known munchies on St. Patrick’s Day is Irish Soda Bread. What is Irish Soda Bread, you may ask? No, it’s not Wonderbread dipped in soda (though that could surely be interesting), but actually a round loaf made with soda and buttermilk, often containing caraway seeds and raisins. So, courtesy of Food.com, we bring you a simple recipe to make your own Applesauce Irish Soda Bread.

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon sugar

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup low-fat buttermilk

1 AppleApple GoGo squeeZ packet

2 tablespoons margarine, melted

1/2 cup raisins

2 tablespoons skim milk

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray 8-inch round baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda and salt. In small bowl, combine buttermilk, apple sauce and margarine. Add apple sauce mixture to flour mixture; stir until mixture forms a ball. Turn out dough onto well-floured surface; knead raisins into dough. Pat into 7-inch round. Place dough in prepared pan. Cut cross in top of dough, 1/4 inch deep, with tip of sharp knife. Brush top of dough with milk. Bake 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Invert onto wire rack; turn right side up. Cool completely. Cut into 16 wedges.

Chilly Leprechaun Recipe: And for the BIG leprechauns- (21+), check out our Chilly Leprechaun recipe for a delicious frozen treat.

Ingredients:

1 cup of ice

1 oz of Bacardi Apple Rum

1 oz of Malibu coconut rum

2 oz Midori Mellon liquor

1 pouch of GoGo squeeZ AppleApple

Directions:

Blend in a blender until slushy

Irish Sayings and Songs: The Irish are known for their merry sayings and songs, so we thought we’d share a few of our favorites in honor of the holiday. It was an Irishman who said, “It is better to spend money like there’s no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there’s no money,” and, “Here’s to me, and here’s to you. And here’s to love and laughter. I’ll be true as long as you. And not one moment after.” Fun fact: Did you know that the color green is used worldwide to represent safety? It is associated with soothing and relaxation which is awesome since we’re so used to seeing it everywhere in nature.

If singing is more your speed, we love this cute St. Patricks Day jingle for kids. And, of course (perhaps most importantly), if you want to learn if you want to know what your leprechaun name is, check out our infographic below.

We hope our crafts and goodies will help you have the best St Patty’s day celebration possible, and, of course, “may the luck of the Irish be with you!”