GIFTS KIDS CAN MAKE
Kids love to give gifts – especially the ones they have made themselves. And what parent or grandparent doesn’t like to get a handmade present from the special child in his or her life? And with a little creativity, even the smallest child can make a gift.
Of course there is always the handmade card decorated with every crayon and marker that can be found in the house. Or the storybook written and illustrated by your child. But for an extra special gift, consider making a t-shirt decorated with fabric paints. My kids did this for their grandparents when they were very small. They made footprints in brown for dirt, and handprints in yellow and red for flowers. Then I added green for stems and grass. My father-in-law still wears his flowery t-shirt seven years later!
My kids also love to make Christmas gifts for friends, teachers, godparents – the list goes on and on. The ideas for Christmas ornaments are endless – painted, beaded, glued, etc. My kids also like to fill canning jars with cookie mix, hot chocolate mix, and soup mix. I cover the kitchen table with waxed paper, get out the ingredients and measuring cups, and let them “go at it”. (I think the kids are just as proud of the mess they make as they are of the gift itself!) These make great gifts for teachers, as it is something they can use at their leisure.
I happen to have one daughter that is particularly crafty, and she is getting old enough to try some more difficult projects. She learned some simple embroidery stitches, and embroidered hankies for my father for Christmas. She also learned to knit. This is currently a very popular craft, and kits for kids can be found at craft and toy stores. My daughter knitted a coin purse for my mother and a potholder for me.
Spring brings inspirations of a different nature – usually involving nature. Garden stones are a great gift idea. The kits can be found in your local craft store. This is a great way for kids to use their creative ideas to decorate a garden stone with colored tiles, marbles, and beads. Another idea is a decorated terra cotta pot. The child can paint the flower pot, or decoupage a colorful napkin onto it for a really fun idea. For an added touch, the child can plant a flowering plant in the pot or fill it with candy.
There is no end to the ideas for gifts kids can make. If you need additional inspiration, simply stroll the isles of your local craft store, or peruse some parenting or family magazines. No matter what gift your child chooses to make, the gift will be appreciated for its imperfections and for the love that went into making it!