Gifts kids can make for the holidays

During the holiday season, we try to remind ourselves of the spirit of giving. 

Giving of our time through volunteer work, giving of our spirits and friendship with loved ones, and giving those close to us meaningful gifts of comfort and joy are truly what the holidays are all about. 

As parents, we have the privilege of celebrating the holidays with our children, passing down traditions to them, and instilling the gift of giving into their hearts as they grow from year to year… If you’re a parent of a child of any age during the holiday season, be sure to make the holidays bright by creating some unique gifts created by your lovely kids!

Friends and family members love to receive gifts from children, especially if they are fun, creative, unique, and meaningful.  After all, there’s no better gift than a homemade one! 

Here are some super easy, super fun ideas for parents, teachers, and kids!

Canvas painting – children can create a variety of art pieces using canvas from your local craft store.  Handprints make a great gift.  If you’re feeling creative, use painter’s tape and make a snowflake – allow your child to paint over the tape, allow paint to dry.  Peal the tape off and you’ll have a great snowflake!

Festive cookies – making holiday cookies? Allow your kids to frost and decorate your favorite sugar cookies – place cookies in baker’s boxes available at your local hobby or craft stores!

Cookie and tea/coffee - Kids can decorate a plain mug with permanent markers and create a personalized note for the receiver!  Place wrapped cookies inside the mug!

Tin of candy – Purchase simple tin containers and your local craft store.  Allow your kids to decorate and personalize with permanent markers.  Place your favorite home made or store bought chocolate inside the tin!

Tote bags – purchase plain tote bags for your children to decorate or iron on images to (with parent supervision!)

Artwork ornaments – take some of your child’s artwork throughout the course of the year, and cut into festive ornament shapes.  Punch a whole at the top and use curing ribbon to hang from the tree!

The list of possibilities is truly endless! 

When making gifts with your kids, encourage your children to be creative and think of the person they are making a gift for… What does this person like?  How can you make it special, just for this person? 

Also, it is always fun to include your child’s name and the year somewhere on the homemade gifts – it gives the gift that magic “touch!”