As my kids grow more discerning about their art projects, I had to find some way to allow everyone to share the outdoor finger painting experience (directed at my 2-year old) without making my 8-year old feel like she’s back in preschool. Those big, fat sponge brushes just don’t cut it when she’s trying to paint trees with detailed apples scattered about the branches.

Enter restaurant-style squeeze bottles. It’s like a giant paint pen – even I couldn’t resist getting in on the action. I picked these up at Chef’s Catalog (and secretly kept a few for my own kitchen purposes).