When children give gifts that their parents bought, even if they helped choose them, they may not fully understand the idea of giving. When they give gifts that they have made, they are truly giving of themselves, because they are giving their time, thoughts, and talents. Try some of the following gift ideas for children to make. Everyone's holidays will be brighter because of the time spent making gifts together.
Children’s Drawings and Paintings
A child’s simple crayon drawing or watercolor painting, dressed in an inexpensive frame, can be a treasure for a parent, grandparent, or favorite aunt or uncle. A box of crayons or watercolors and drawing paper are all that is needed. School pictures make great gifts as well, and young children can help place them in small frames and wrap them. Another idea is for children to decorate plain paper with crayons and use the paper for gift wraps.
Holiday Baking and Decorating with Kids
Little ones love to help with the holiday baking. They can help measure ingredients, stir the dough, and cut cookies. Later they can help with decorating, wrapping, and delivering them. Remember that young children have short attention spans, so it's important to have everything ready before beginning a project.
A small, gaily colored handprint on a potholder can brighten someone’s kitchen. Spread a small amount of brightly colored acrylic paint on a piece of aluminum foil or waxed paper. Help the child place a hand in the paint, and then on the fabric of the potholder or dish towel. Wash the paint off the child’s hands and let the fabric dry. The child can use glue and glitter to write his or her name and the date on the finished gift.
Simple Bird Feeders
Children can make simple bird feeders to give to friends and family. The directions are easy. First smear a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter on a pine cone. Then roll the pine cone in bird seed that has been spread on waxed paper. Finally, attach a loop of yarn to the pine cone. Now the bird feeder is ready to hang on a tree.
The best gift that a child receives during the holidays may be the time spent with a parent who is helping her learn what it really means to give. The family that works together to make gifts may discover that the holidays are a little brighter this year because everyone is thinking about giving. Certainly the children will cherish the memories of the time family members spent together.
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