5 wonderful gifts kids can make

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Inside: Discover 5 easy and wonderful homemade gifts kids can make that will bring joy to their loved ones.

One of the things I want my kids to learn about Christmas is that the holiday season is not just about the joy of receiving gifts, but also about the joy of offering gifts.

Preparing a donate box every December is a great way to encourage kids to be kind and think about others. Another lovely idea that promotes kindness and generosity is inviting them to create little gifts kids can make and offer them to their loved ones.

This year my oldest son wanted to prepare a few gifts for his grandparents, so we used this opportunity to create handmade gifts together.

If you like the idea of kid-made gifts, here are 5 ideas to inspire you and all the details you’ll need to put them into practice.

To get started, invite your kids to participate to a special family time and create handmade keepsakes together! This idea is perfect for a family night, but you can also plan it during the day in the weekend.

The things you’ll create during this family activity can become wonderful gifts for grandparents, and I’m pretty sure that your kids will be very proud of their creations!

Gifts kids can make: Family handprints

Supplies (you probably already have):

(watercolor) paper
watercolor paint
black sharpie marker
(optional) frame

How to:

Use a pencil to trace each family member’s handprint on the paper. (the handprints can overlap)
Use the sharpie marker to trace on top of the pencil and make the handprints more visible.
Use watercolors to paint the handprints. Get creative and have fun!
(optional) Place the painting in a frame.

You can invite all family members to work together on one painting or invite every family member to create their own painting.

Gifts kids can make: DIY bookmarks

Supplies (you probably already have):

(watercolor) paper
drawing or painting supplies (paint, markers, pencils)
ribbon / yarn (optional)
laminator / laminating sheets (optional)

How to:

Decide on the size of the bookmarks and cut them out.
Invite all family members to use the paint (or markers/ crayons) to create designs on the bookmarks. You can also use a black sharpie to create the designs.
If you want, add messages on the bookmarks.
(optional) Laminate the bookmarks.
Punch a hole on the top of the bookmark and add the ribbon / yarn.

Gifts kids can make: Art box

Supplies:

a shirt gift box
colored cardstock paper
kids’ artwork
(optional) ribbon

How to:

Cut a piece of a colored cardstock paper and invite the kids to use it to create a label (or create it together).
Choose the artworks you want to include in the art box. Invite the kids to bring you some of their favorite artworks and select together what to include.
Use smaller artworks to create collages on colored paper or use the colored paper to “frame” smaller drawings.
Ask the kids to create a special artwork to include as the first artwork in their box (e.g., a family portrait, a self-portrait, a drawing of their favorite activity).
Include all papers in the box, glue the label on the lid, and add the ribbon (optional).

Connection tip: When the kids bring their favorite drawings and paintings, use the opportunity to ask them about their artworks and invite them to talk about what inspires their creations.

Gifts kids can make: Kid decorated towels

Supplies:

white tea towels
fabric markers
(optional) acrylic paint

How to:

Place the tea towel on a big piece of paper or a craft mat to avoid stains on the table.
Invite the kids to decorate the lower part of the towels using the markers. They can add drawings and messages.
If you want, you can also trace the family handprints on the towel.
Get creative and have fun!

Gifts kids can make: DIY Lego pen holder

Supplies (you probably already have):

Lego bricks
small Lego base

How to:

Invite the kids to design a pen holder using the base and colored bricks.
You can get creative by adding Lego figures or special designs.

Bonus idea: Handprint resist art

Supplies:

a canvas / a white cardboard paper
contact paper
scissors
acrylic paint / tempera sticks.

How to:

Trace the handprint on the contact paper and cut it out.
Peel the paper backing off the contact paper and add it to the canvas (or paper). Make sure it is firmly stuck on the canvas.
Paint the canvas. Get creative and have fun!
After the paint is completely dry, remove the contact paper.
(optional) Add the child’s name and age on the side of the handprint.