I stumbled across the concept of an effects video years ago when my husband and I saw an advertisement for them on television. We thought it was a cool concept and knew it would look great on our big screen downstairs so we ordered a DVD and awaited its arrival. When it was delivered, we popped it into our DVD player and sat there in awe, surrounded by nature and faux fireplaces on our big screen. Our 5-year-old was just a toddler at the time and he was as intrigued as the two of us.
Effects videos can be used for relaxation, for parties, for calming children during naptime and can even offer our pets some great background noise when we need to run some errands alone. I’ve compiled a few FREE effects videos from YouTube along with a couple other videos I thought would be fun to get everyone happily through fall and winter. Because they are free, you may need to close out a couple ads at the beginning, but after that, it’s smooth sailing.
Project these videos onto your TV using Google Chromecast, a new way to enjoy online video and music on your television. Plug it into any HDTV and control it with your existing smartphone, tablet, or laptop:
http://www.google.com/chromecast
The Crackling Fireplace
Who doesn’t like the sound of a burning fireplace? The crackling and snapping of the flames has warmed homes for hundreds of years. It just gives you a warm and cozy feeling – especially on those chilly nights. This one is nice to fall asleep to and romantic to have on in the background during a candlelit dinner if you don’t have a real fireplace in your home. Candlelit dinners? Ahh, yes. Before the children arrived.
Giant Sea Turtles
Aren’t we all wanting a vacation come January? I remember swimming with sea turtles on our vacation to Maui. It was a magical experience and this video reminded me of just that. Believe it or not, this particular video is 3 hours long and SO peaceful. Kids are going to like this one and the background music is very soothing.
Virtual Aquarium
Alright for all of you aquarium fans out there, this one is for you. Best of all, there’s no tank to clean. The kiddos also like this one and it’s so much fun to play for an under-the-sea themed birthday party. It’s also elegant enough just to have playing in the background during a dinner party with your closest friends or family. There are a couple different versions to choose from, so I’ve listed them all below.
Virtual Aquarium #1
Virtual Aquarium #2
Virtual Aquarium #3
Spooky Halloween Sounds
Alright, I’m not a spooky Halloween gal. I prefer the cute Halloween decorations and costumes, but for those of you who prefer a night of fright, I’m recommending the video below. Now let me explain. This isn’t a video, it’s 12 hours of Halloween sound effects. That’s right. I said 12 hours. Place a wireless speaker into one of your jack-o-lanterns outside your front door on Hallow’s Eve and have fun watching the kiddos cautiously approach, if they dare!
Falling Snow
Would we ever need this in Wisconsin? Probably not, but for those of you who only dream of a white Christmas and never get one, here you go. An hour long video of falling snow. This video is actually pretty neat just to have on as a background visual. Put some music to it and you’ll bring some creativity to your cozy winter gathering. Check out this snowflake video, too. Super cool, but only seconds long.
Christmas Music – 3 Hours Worth!
Ok, so I really love this one. This is a great mix of traditional and modern Christmas music to get you through your family celebrations around such a blessed holiday. And if you’re a Transiberian Orchestra fan like I am, here’s a little treat for you! Merry Christmas in September!
White Noise Video
This video is really for relaxation. I’ve talked to numerous moms who use white noise to help their infants sleep better and I’ve talked to many adults as well who still like to fall asleep to it. This video is a whopping 10 hours long. The imagery doesn’t change at all, but you shouldn’t be watching it anyway. You should be sleeping!
Relaxation Video
I really wasn’t sure what to call this one, but I thought it was great. This one screams serenity and features, birds, crickets, bubbling brooks, hot springs, you name it. Not sure if I would be able to fall asleep to this one, though. I’d be up using the restroom throughout the night from all of the running and dripping water.
Sleeping Video
I’m so creative tonight, right? Relaxation video, sleeping video. . .
This one I could fall asleep to and it’s an hour long – definitely enough time to drift off into dreamland. There are so many videos like this one available on You Tube. I had so much fun going through them all. This stood out as a favorite.
Happy New Year!
I know I’m jumping the gun a bit here, but you need to be prepared. Here’s a video that counts down from 10 and then breaks into song and fireworks to wish everyone a Happy 2016! Personally, I think I would pump in my own music and just have the visual running in the background. Go on, click through. Do you like the song? I’m not so sure, but what I am sure about is that I’m going to be kissing my wonderful husband during all of those fireworks in hopes of another memorable year ahead.
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eva turner says
October 15, 2016 at 2:23 pmThis post is a great year round gift to give. Covers all seasons and you don’t need any particular reason to send . Keeps u upbeat and in alignment.
Sara says
October 16, 2016 at 9:21 pmThank you, Eva! There are so many fun videos here and I love that they’re all free!