Longaberger: kids can weave too!

I recently attended the Baskets for Bloggers event at The Longaberger Homestead in Frazeysburg, Ohio. Yes, that’s right, that ENORMOUS basket you pass on the highway? My friend screamed when she saw it – I think seeing a large basket on the side of the road does that to some people (I screamed too). That huge basket happens to be the Longaberger headquarters, but the event was at The Homestead which is a few miles east of the offices. The Homestead is a basket shopping mecca offering informational tours, family-friendly activites, restaurants, and shopping. Fahlgren Mortine

hosted the event and provided a weavingly good time.

Some may ask, baskets and kids? Yes, and here’s the key: your children can make their own baskets. (What a great gift for Grammies!) I got to make my own basket with the aid of Lisa Green, basket weaver extraordinaire, and it was loads of fun. Lisa guided me through the process of creating a beautiful basket with colors and tacks of my choice. Children love to do crafts and create things themselves, and I think this would be a great activity for them. I do need to add a disclaimer here: age is important. Given the tacks, scissors, and machinery used to make baskets, there is risk for injury. Longaberger asks that children be 9 years of age or older to make a basket, but children younger than that accompanied by an adult have not been turned away. The very littles (3 years – 8 years) could make a fish, butterfly, or flower, which is just as much fun and perfect for shorter attention spans.Once the basket is made there are a couple of choices for lunch. In the Crawford Barn they have BBQ and sandwiches, and then there is the restaurant that provides yummy comfort food such as mac-n-cheese, cinnamon apples, and turkey and dressing. They also have kid food options. If you go to the Crawford Barn they serve ice cream upstairs….may want to partake in that after all the shopping. There is also a playground next to the barn so kids can release a little energy after lunch. Then on to shopping.

Do you homework before going out there so you know what they have to offer. Mommies know that kids can’t stand to go shopping unless it is for toys or candy – or unless there is promise of a sweet treat afterwards. This is where you know Longaberger understands shopping with kids, because they offer a fudge and cookie pit stop inside the shopping building. Reward your child for their wonderful behavoir while you lingered over choosing a new set of dishes or a Brighton watch. Longaberger also offers a tour of the factory where the weaving magic happens – not so sure this is appropriate for littles, but it is a nice educational experience for older children.

Let me help weave your trip together:

• Start early. Make a basket, flower, etc. first and then hit lunch. Shopping can be determined by your children’s demeanor after lunch.
• Do your homework. Peruse the Longaberger website so you can plan your trip if you want to shop. Or order online to save yourself the shopping-with-kids-stress syndrome.
• Go on a Thursday (per Lisa Green, basket weaver extraordinaire). Tuesdays are buy one get one free days and get extremely crowded. Weekends are also crowded.
• Plan around naptimes. The Homestead is a little over an hour from Columbus – not far for a little fun and a little quiet time in the car.
• They have stroller rentals.
• Bring your camera: big baskets – that is all I have to say.
• Remember that a Longaberger basket is not only functional and beautiful for you, but also a keepsake for your children. Longaberger baskets are meant to be passed down through generations, and if they get damaged Longaberger can fix them for you!

*Many thanks to Longaberger and Fahlgren Mortine for a beautiful basket, delish lunch, and informative tours.*