Homemade Holiday Presents

Help Your Little Ones Make Their Own Gifts

By Linda Sharp

Like most parents, I always have the grandest of intentions during the summer months. I envision educational outings, regular family walks at night and maintaining my sanity in the presence of nonstop children. I also plan to have my daughters begin making their holiday gifts in July so the season does not sneak up on us. Well, here we are, turkey leftovers behind us and the holiday season squarely before us, and if you are anything like me, you too know that the best laid plans of mice and Mom sometimes just do not pan out.

Whether you celebrate Kwanzaa, Hanukkah or Christmas, your little ones actually do love to give just as much as they love to receive. And the best gifts are the ones that come from their big hearts and little hands. I have compiled some great gift ideas, that are fun to make, require little mess or cleanup, and will not leave you singing Jingle Bills, instead of Jingle Bells! In fact, you can find all of the items needed at any craft store, such as Michaels or in the craft department of your favorite "basic necessity store," like Wal-Mart. The approximate price for each item is listed below.

Ornaments
A wonderful choice for the preschool set is the bead wreath! Not only does it strengthen dexterity, it encourages counting!

Items Needed:

• Red pipe cleaners ($.99)
• Bag of green beads ($1.99 per bag)
• Bag of red beads ($1.99 per bag)

Have your child begin threading five green beads, then one red bead, leaving approximately 2 1/2 to 3 inches of pipe cleaner exposed at each end. Continue until you have strung 35 green beads and seven red beads. Twist the exposed red pipe cleaner together, forming a wreath, then fashion into a small bow. Voila! A great addition to anyone's holiday decorating!

You can find additional ornament ideas throughout the craft store. Ranging from bells, snowmen and gingerbread shapes in foam ($1.99 package of three and unbreakable) for younger children to plain glass or plaster balls ($.99 to $1.49) for older hands, they may be decorated with markers, paints or glue and beads.

Puzzle Frames

Want to see more?

• Homemade Memories: Ornament Making for Little Fingers
• Holiday Crafts: Gifts Kids Can Make Themselves
• Holiday Gifts Your Toddler Can Make
• Celebrate Hanukkah: Activities to Make, Play and Eat With Your Preschooler
• Holiday Headquarters
• Talk about it!