Being an aunt or uncle is one of the coolest jobs in the worldâyou get to be the fun one, the adventure buddy, the secret-keeper, and the role model all at once. But letâs be real⌠sometimes itâs hard to know exactly how to build that special bond, especially if you donât see them every day.
The good news? You donât need to be around 24/7 to make a lifelong impact. Itâs the little momentsâthe traditions, the inside jokes, the small surprisesâthat stay with them forever.
So whether you're a first-time aunt or uncle, or just looking for fresh ways to connect, here are 10 simple but magical ways to make your bond with your niece or nephew stronger than ever. đ
1ď¸âŁ Create a Special Greeting Just for You Two
đ A secret handshake.
đ¤ A funny way you say hello.
đ A nickname only you call them.
Kids love traditions, and having a special greeting or ritual thatâs just between you and them makes your bond feel one-of-a-kind. (Bonus: It also makes goodbyes way more fun!)
2ď¸âŁ Start a Bedtime Story Tradition
Even if you donât live nearby, you can still be part of their bedtime routine.
đ Pick a book and FaceTime once a week to read together.
đ Make up a story where theyâre the main character.
đ Keep a "pass-the-story" notebook where you write part of a story, then mail it to them so they can add the next part!
Reading together creates comfort, connection, and memories that will stick with them forever.
3ď¸âŁ Give Them "Mission Cards"
Want to make everyday life feel more exciting? Create "mission cards" with small, fun challenges for them to complete.
đľď¸ââď¸ Example missions:
- "Operation Kindness" â Do something nice for someone today.
- "Explorer Mode" â Find 3 cool things outside on your next walk.
- "Super Chef" â Help make a snack or meal today!
Give them a card when you visit, or text them a mission if youâre far away. Theyâll love reporting back with their âresultsâ!
4ď¸âŁ Plan a Weekly or Monthly "Adventure Call"
Not in the same city? No problem. Set up a weekly or monthly adventure call where you:
đ Look at a map and pick a place to âvisitâ (research fun facts about it together).
đ§ Play a âWould You Ratherâ game with fun adventure-themed questions.
đ¨ Draw your dream trip together and share your masterpieces!
Itâs a simple way to keep the connection alive, no matter the distance.
5ď¸âŁ Send Them Surprise Mail đŹ
Kids LOVE getting mailâespecially when itâs from you!
đ Send a handwritten note or postcard.
đ¨ Mail them a small drawing or joke.
đŚ Put together a "memory box" of tiny souvenirs from places youâve been.
Even the smallest notes will remind them youâre thinking of them, and it makes your bond feel extra special.
6ď¸âŁ Make a "Bailey and Beau Life" Memory Book
At Bailey and Beau Co, we believe the little moments matter most. Why not capture them in a DIY Memory Book?
đ Keep a small notebook just for your adventures together.
âď¸ Each time you see them, write (or draw!) one favorite memory.
đ¸ Add little mementos like stickers, doodles, or ticket stubs.
One day, youâll look back at the pages and realizeâyou werenât just making memories. You were making magic. đ
(Want a step-by-step guide to creating your own? Check out our DIY Memory Book tutorial here.)
7ď¸âŁ Do a "Kindness Challenge" Together
One of the best things you can teach a child? How to be kind.
đ Each week, pick one small act of kindness to do together.
- Leave a kind note for someone.
- Donate a book or toy to a local charity.
- Call a family member just to say hi.
Itâs a fun way to spread good vibes and create a lasting impactâon them and the world around them.
8ď¸âŁ Teach Them Something "Secretly Cool"
Kids LOVE learning new thingsâespecially if it feels like a special skill that most grown-ups donât teach them.
đ A card trick.
đł A fun, easy recipe.
đ¨ A simple doodle technique.
Every time they use that skill, theyâll think of you. (And letâs be honestâwho doesnât want to be the cool aunt or uncle who knows magic tricks?)
9ď¸âŁ Let Them Be the "Boss" for a Day
Give them a day where they get to call the shots! (With some ground rules, of course.)
đ They choose the adventure.
đ˝ď¸ They pick the snacks.
đś They control the playlist.
Letting them take the lead makes them feel important, confident, and connected to youâand you just might end up having way more fun than you expected.
đ Wear Matching Outfits (Because Why Not?)
Okay, hear us out: Matching outfits = instant fun.
đ Grab a matching t-shirt, hoodie, or hat.
đ¸ Snap a silly photo together.
đ Make it a traditionâwear it every time you hang out!
Our Bailey and Beau Life collection was designed for aunts, uncles, and their favorite tiny explorersâbecause the best memories start with Dreaming Big, Exploring More, and Staying Kind.
⨠Shop the collection now: https://baileyandbeauco.com/pages/bailey-and-beau-life
đ Because The Bond You Build Today Lasts a Lifetime
At the end of the day, itâs not about doing moreâitâs about being present. The hugs, the bedtime stories, the shared laughs⌠those are the things theyâll remember most.
So pick one idea, start small, and make a memory this week. đ
Whatâs YOUR favorite way to bond with your niece or nephew? Tell us in the comments! đ
#BaileyAndBeauLife #CoolAuntVibes #UncleGoals #MakingMemories #DreamExploreKind #RaisingGoodHumans