Snap clips have come a long way from holding Grandma's pin curls in place while she's asleep. These days, they're meant to be seen, and with a little paint and glue, your kids can customize variations of the snazzy snaps available in stores.

STYLE PREP

Buy a pack of plain silver snap clips (approximate price: $3 to $4 for six). Using a hot glue gun (a parent's job), attach anything from sparkly pom-poms to tiny shells. Kids can also paint the clips with acrylic paint or nail polish.

TIP: Snap open the clip before decorating so you don't paint or glue it closed, and work on waxed paper so it won't stick to the table.

TURNING HEADS

Snap back the strands of hair near your child's face or string a line of snaps along a section of hair. For a different look, twist the hair before you snap the clip on. There are also button-size plastic neon snaps (see red flower, right, about $3 for 24). These aren't meant to hold hair back, just jazz up tresses with a spot of color.