By Erik J. Martin
Exchanging gifts over the holidays doesn’t have to be exclusively a grownup experience. The experts agree that getting kids involved with making and giving presents can be a great way to instill important values, such as generosity, creativity, and thoughtfulness.
But empowering children with gift-giving doesn’t have to mean draining their allowances or breaking the piggy bank. Fantastically festive and charmingly personalized gifts can be made for little to no money – merely the cost of the materials, many of which you may already have at home.
“There’s something so sweet about having kids make vs. purchase gifts for others. Not only do homemade gifts show others how much we care but making homemade presents can encourage empathy and build self-confidence in our children. When kids make gifts for others, they have to think of the other person and what he or she might like,” says Marcie Groller, a crafts expert and co-creator of the Platein28 website that offers an array of crafts for children.
Emily Krill, an artist and owner of Matchy Matchy Studio in Pittsburgh, agrees.
“Kids tend to get caught up in the getting of gifts. So, it’s important to put some focus on gift-giving. Thoughtful gifts that take a bit of effort are always more meaningful than generic store-bought items. And they capture a moment in the children’s lives that only comes once,” says Krill.
Additionally, working on a DIY project with your son or daughter can be a great bonding experience.
“By taking the time to help them create a gift, you can show them that you value their time and effort,” says Inez Stanway, a former elementary school teacher.
Rebecca Farris, owner of Fairy Crafty Creations, recommends a simple but treasured DIY gift your kids can make: popsicle stick frames, which can be hung on the wall or Christmas tree. Start by gluing three popsicle sticks together to form a triangular tree shape. Cut a star using yellow construction paper and glue it to the top of the tree. Cut a square from brown construction paper and glue it to the bottom of the tree. Cut six-inch yarn, make a loop, and glue it to the top back of the tree or an instant hanger. Glue jewels, glitter, and small pom-poms to decorate the tree.
“Finally, choose a photo and cut it to fit into the opening of the tree, gluing it to the back of the ornament,” Farris adds.
Groller, meanwhile, recommends making snowman candy cane holders.
“First, trace and cut out the outline of a snowman using two pieces of colored felt – with one piece being the front and the other being the back of the snowman. Trace and cut out the snowman’s accessories using dark felt, including its hat, scarf, nose, and two arms,” she says. “Next, secure accessories to the snowman using a hot glue gun, followed by googly eyes and pom-poms for buttons. Draw a mouth on the face using a sharpie marker. Glue the front and back of your snowman together along the edges of the cutouts, leaving the top open in order to form a pouch that can hold a candy cane.”
Krill says recorded audio can make a fantastic present.
“Encourage your child to give a story for the holidays. My mother-in-law asks for stories every year. You can work with your child to record a conversation and burn it onto a CD or give it as a digital file. CDs are nice because they are a physical gift, and you can add artwork as well,” she explains.
Cinnamon-scented ornaments are the perfect expression of homemade love and creativity, believes Christine Burke, editor of Highlights.com in Pennsylvania.
“They’re perfect to hang on a tree, hang in a window, or be used as potpourri,” says Burke.
Begin by mixing ¼ cup of cinnamon with 4 tablespoons of applesauce, increasing the ratio if you desire more dough. Add more cinnamon if the dough is too sticky to handle; if it’s too dry, add more applesauce. Flatten the dough with your hands, rolling pin, or the side of the can until it’s about ¼ inch thick. Using cookie cutters, cut the dough into shapes. Dip cookie cutters into cinnamon if the dough sticks. Using a straw, make a hole in the top of the ornament. Let the ornaments dry on a cooling rack or plate. In about one week, the ornaments will be dry and ready to hang.
Here’s another worthy craft: a cow-themed tissue paper vase, as suggested by Groller. Cut white tissue paper into several small squares – enough to cover an entire glass bottle – with layers as needed. Cut out five to 10 circles using black tissue paper. Use Mod Podge or glue to cover the bottle with squares of white tissue paper. Layer as much as needed to cover any old labels or markings. Add the five to 10 black spots on top of the white tissue paper. Tie red ribbon around the bottle’s neck and fill with flowers.
Or, in a pinch, have your children help you make holiday cookies that they can place in a tin, wrap up decoratively, and present to relatives.