1. Masks as a fashion statement
Don’t settle for boring non-medical face coverings. Bunky Boutique in Phoenix sells handmade face masks in fun fabrics ($13-$16), and The Bungalow in Phoenix’s Heritage Square sells handmade masks with designs ranging from camo to cute animals ($12). Find more options or customize a mask — made from anti-microbial polyester — at Tempe’s screenprintaz.com, where prices start at $22 for a three-pack. Or, show your Sun Devils pride with a Sparky smile ($19.99 at thecraftycreative.com). You can even find face masks honoring major league sports teams ($25 for three at foco.com).
2. Face masks for kids
Wearing a sterile face mask could seem a little scary to a kid. But while there’s still no manufactured vaccine or cure for coronavirus, wearing face coverings around others makes sense. Plus, dare we say, masks are getting … cute? Disney stores are selling silly masks for ages 4 and up featuring the faces and patterns of favorite Disney characters ($20 for four at shopdisney.com; a portion of the proceeds support MedShare.org).
Old Navy is having trouble keeping its affordable face masks in stock ($12.50 five-packs of adult- or child-sized masks), but promises to keep making them using their clothing scrap materials. Its sister store Athleta also offers kids’ masks (five for $30).
Frances Boutique in Phoenix offers denim and floral masks for kids ($13).
3. Boutique sanitizer
Rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizer are still absent from most store shelves, so several local distilleries and businesses have been whipping up their own. San Tan Brewing Co. sells its SANTANitizer at its Phoenix and Chandler locations ($5 for 4 ounces with a $10.50 purchase). Adventurous Stills in Tempe also sells hand sanitizer ($8 for 12 ounces or $35 per gallon). And PurMD in Scottsdale sells large quantities with some proceeds going to local schools and charities ($48 per gallon).
4. Book care packages
It’s a great time to read a book while supporting a local institution. Changing Hands offers book care packages for all ages ($25-$45). Kids packages come with a paperback or hardcover book and lots of extras, such as stickers and cool pens, for a care package that’s both thoughtful and fun to receive.
5. Pottery painting at home
Not yet ready to wade into the crowded, un-quarantined world? As You Wish Pottery Painting Place offers paint-at-home projects — some with online video instruction — to pick up curbside and complete at your own pace. Or choose shippable craft kits that arrive in seven days. ($20 and up).
6. Crayola craft kits
Crayola Experience in Chandler is offering curbside pickup for its crafting kits, which include finger paints for little artists and projects for older kids like crayon melting and Model Magic clay ($30-$50).
7. Animal Ed-Ventures At Home
The Arizona Humane Society canceled its in-person summer camps, but is offering an at-home “surprise box” for ages 8-12 to explore the world of animals through hands-on crafts, activities, online videos and animal meet-and-greets. Pick them up at the AHS Campus for Compassion, 1521 W. Dobbins Road in Phoenix, or have them shipped for $15 ($25 per week).
8. Water fun
KidsStop toy store in Scottsdale will keep kids busy at home in the yard with water toys like the Rainbow Sprinkler — big enough to run through and cute enough for an Instagram backdrop ($49.99).