There’s a special kind of magic reserved for a gift made by a child. These presents, perfectly imperfect and brimming with personality, are the ones that become the most treasured keepsakes. This Christmas, invite your little ones into the wonderful world of giving by creating a workshop right in your own home.
Crafting gifts together is more than just a fun way to spend a cold afternoon; it’s an opportunity to teach children about thoughtfulness, creativity, and the joy that comes from making something for someone you love. The pride on a child’s face when they present their handmade treasure is a gift in itself.
This guide is packed with ideas that are specifically designed for little hands and big hearts. From simple ornaments that can be made by toddlers to more involved projects for older kids, there’s something here for every age and skill level. Get ready to make a happy mess and even happier memories.
1. Handprint Ornaments
A child’s handprint, captured forever in salt dough, is a timeless and deeply sentimental gift. This simple ornament becomes a cherished time capsule, reminding loved ones each year of how small those hands once were. It’s a classic craft that grandparents, in particular, adore.
The process of making the dough, squishing it flat, and pressing their own hand in is a delightful sensory experience for children. They can then take ownership of their creation by painting it to look like a Santa Claus, a reindeer, or a festive snowman.
DIY Tips
- Use a simple salt dough recipe: 1 cup salt, 2 cups flour, and 1 cup water.
- Roll the dough to about a half-inch thickness before your child makes their handprint.
- Use a straw to poke a hole for a hanging ribbon before you bake.
- Bake at a low temperature (200°F) for several hours until completely hard, or simply let it air dry for a few days.
- Once cool, provide non-toxic acrylic paints for decorating. An adult can seal it with a clear varnish.
2. Painted Rock Paperweights
A collection of smooth, gray stones can become a vibrant gallery of a child’s imagination. Painted rocks are a simple, open-ended craft that allows even the youngest artists to create a beautiful and functional gift. They are perfect for holding down papers on a desk at home or in the office.
This gift is a wonderful way to bring a touch of personalized, natural art indoors. Kids love the treasure hunt of finding the perfect rocks, and the painting process is pure creative fun. It’s a thoughtful gift for parents, teachers, and grandparents.
DIY Tips
- Wash and completely dry your rocks before you begin painting.
- Use washable tempera or non-toxic acrylic paints for easy cleanup and bright colors.
- Encourage kids to paint anything they like: funny faces, ladybugs, abstract patterns, or even a simple, solid color.
- For extra sparkle, let them add glitter while the paint is still wet.
- Glue a small circle of felt to the bottom of the rock to protect furniture from scratches.
3. Beaded Friendship Bracelets
Friendship bracelets are a classic, kid-made gift that never goes out of style. The simple act of stringing colorful beads is excellent for developing fine motor skills and learning patterns. A bracelet with letter beads that spells out a name or a sweet message is a truly personal present.
Kids take great pride in designing a unique bracelet for each of their friends and family members. This gift is a wearable symbol of affection and connection, perfect for best friends, siblings, and cousins.
DIY Tips
- Use a stretchy elastic cord so the bracelet is easy to take on and off and doesn’t require a tricky clasp.
- Provide a variety of beads, like colorful pony beads, letter beads, and fun shapes.
- A tray with different compartments (like a muffin tin) can help keep beads organized.
- For toddlers, use larger wooden beads and a pipe cleaner, which is stiffer and easier to thread.
- An adult should tie the final knot securely and add a small dab of clear glue to ensure it holds.
4. Decorated Picture Frames
Transform a simple, inexpensive frame into a work of art that proudly displays a favorite family photo or a child’s drawing. This is a gift that allows for maximum creativity, using any number of craft supplies you have on hand. It is a heartfelt way to put a cherished memory on display.
This craft is all about texture and color. Kids will love the process of gluing on different materials and creating their own unique design. It’s a wonderful, personal gift for parents and grandparents that will be given a place of honor in their home.
DIY Tips
- Start with a basic wooden or sturdy cardboard craft frame.
- Provide a variety of collage materials: buttons, pom-poms, small seashells, colorful pasta shapes, or mosaic tiles.
- Use a kid-safe, white craft glue and let them apply it with a small paintbrush.
- Let the frame dry completely before an adult helps to insert a special photo.
- For a lasting finish, an adult can spray the finished frame with a clear acrylic sealer.
5. Hot Chocolate Mix in a Jar
A layered hot chocolate mix is a delicious and cozy gift that kids can easily help assemble. The process of carefully spooning in layers of cocoa powder, sugar, chocolate chips, and marshmallows is a great lesson in following steps and being careful. It’s a beautiful and tasty present.
This is a perfect gift for teachers, neighbors, and families. The recipient gets to enjoy a delicious treat, and the kids get the satisfaction of having created it themselves. A handmade tag with instructions completes this sweet gift.
DIY Tips
- Use a funnel to help little hands get the ingredients into the jar with fewer spills.
- Create distinct layers for a beautiful visual effect. Try cocoa powder, then sugar, then chocolate chips, and top with mini marshmallows.
- Gently tap the jar on the counter after each layer to help it settle evenly.
- Tie a ribbon around the lid and attach a tag with simple instructions, like: “Pour mix into a pot, add 4 cups of milk, heat, and enjoy!”
6. No-Bake Reindeer Cookies
This is a fun and festive kitchen activity that requires no baking at all. By using store-bought cookies and a few simple decorations, kids can create a herd of adorable and delicious reindeer. It’s a perfect project for a holiday playdate or a classroom party.
These cute treats are a wonderful gift for friends, classmates, or to leave out for Santa. Kids will have a blast giving each reindeer its own personality. The combination of sweet chocolate and salty pretzels is a guaranteed hit.
DIY Tips
- Use an oblong cookie, like a Nutter Butter or a chocolate-coated biscuit, for the reindeer’s head.
- Use a small dab of frosting or melted chocolate as the “glue.”
- Small pretzel twists make the perfect antlers.
- Add candy eyeballs and a red candy (like an M&M or a red hot) for Rudolph’s nose.
- Let the cookies set on a sheet of wax paper before packaging them in a festive tin or bag.
7. Pinecone Christmas Trees
This craft turns a simple walk in the park into the first step of a gift-making adventure. Pinecones have a natural tree-like shape that, with a bit of paint and sparkle, can be transformed into a miniature Christmas forest. A set of these makes a charming and rustic decoration.
Kids love both the nature-hunt aspect of this craft and the creative freedom of decorating their own tiny trees. This is a simple, inexpensive, and beautiful gift for teachers or grandparents to display on a mantelpiece or desk.
DIY Tips
- Make sure your pinecones are clean and completely dry before painting.
- Provide green craft paint and encourage kids to paint the “branches” of the pinecone.
- While the paint is wet, they can sprinkle on glitter for a snowy, magical effect.
- Once dry, they can glue on small pom-poms, beads, or sequins as tiny “ornaments.”
- Glue the pinecone to a small wood slice or a wine cork to create a sturdy base so it can stand up.
8. Melted Crayon Ornaments
This is a magical craft that uses up all those broken bits of crayons. By placing crayon shavings inside a clear glass ornament and melting them with a hairdryer, you can create a stunning, one-of-a-kind decoration with vibrant swirls of color. Kids are fascinated by the transformation.
Each ornament is completely unique, a little piece of abstract art. It’s a fantastic way to recycle and create something beautiful. This is a sophisticated-looking gift that is surprisingly easy for kids to help with (with adult supervision for the heating part).
DIY Tips
- Use a vegetable peeler or a crayon sharpener to create small shavings from old crayons.
- Remove the metal cap from a clear glass ball ornament and have the kids drop the crayon shavings inside.
- An adult should hold the ornament with an oven mitt while using a hairdryer to melt the crayons.
- Turn the ornament slowly to let the melting wax coat the inside in beautiful patterns.
- Let it cool completely before replacing the cap and adding a ribbon for hanging.
9. Personalized Mugs
A plain ceramic mug offers a perfect canvas for a child’s artwork. Using special paint markers, they can create a custom-designed, usable gift for a parent, grandparent, or teacher. A mug featuring a child’s drawing or a sweet message is a gift that will be used and cherished daily.
This is a practical gift that is also deeply personal. Every time the recipient enjoys a cup of coffee or tea, they will be reminded of the thoughtful little artist who made it for them. It’s a simple craft with a very professional-looking result.
DIY Tips
- Purchase inexpensive white ceramic mugs and oil-based paint markers designed for use on ceramics.
- Help your child plan their design on a piece of paper first. Simple patterns or their name often work best.
- After the design is drawn, an adult must bake the mug in the oven according to the marker’s instructions to make the design permanent.
- Remind the recipient to hand-wash their new favorite mug to keep the design looking bright and fresh.
10. Mason Jar Votives
A simple mason jar can become a beautiful, glowing votive holder that is safe for kids to make and use. By decorating the outside of the jar with tissue paper, you can create a stunning stained-glass effect. When a battery-operated tea light is placed inside, it casts a warm and cozy glow.
Kids love the slightly messy process of painting with glue and sticking on the colorful tissue paper. This gift adds a touch of handmade ambiance to any room and is perfect for the dark, cozy nights of winter.
DIY Tips
- Use a mixture of white school glue and a little water (or Mod Podge).
- Have kids paint the glue mixture onto the outside of the jar with a paintbrush.
- They can then stick on small, torn or cut pieces of colored tissue paper, overlapping them to create a mosaic effect.
- Once the jar is covered, paint one more layer of the glue mixture over the top to seal everything.
- Always use a battery-operated tea light for safety.
11. Sugar Scrub
A homemade sugar scrub is a luxurious and pampering gift that is incredibly simple for kids to help mix together. With just three basic ingredients—sugar, oil, and a scent—they can create a spa-quality product that leaves skin feeling soft and smooth. It’s a wonderful gift for moms, aunts, and grandmas.
Kids will feel like little scientists as they measure, pour, and stir the ingredients. It’s a great sensory activity, and they will be so proud to have made such a grown-up and useful gift. Packaged in a pretty jar, it looks truly special.
DIY Tips
- In a bowl, mix 2 parts sugar (white or brown) with 1 part oil (melted coconut oil or almond oil are great choices).
- Let the kids stir until the mixture has the consistency of wet sand.
- Add a few drops of a skin-safe essential oil, like lavender for calming or peppermint for a festive scent.
- Spoon the scrub into a clean, small jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Help your child create a handmade label for the jar.
12. Bird Seed Ornaments
This is a gift that gives back to nature. By mixing birdseed with a simple, natural binder, kids can create ornaments to hang on the trees outside. It’s a wonderful present for grandparents or any nature lover, providing a winter feast for their feathered friends.
Kids love the messy, hands-on process of mixing the seeds and pressing them into molds. This craft is a great opportunity to teach children about local wildlife and the importance of caring for animals during the colder months.
DIY Tips
- In a bowl, mix together flour, water, unflavored gelatin, and corn syrup to create a “glue.”
- Stir in a generous amount of birdseed until everything is well-coated.
- Have the kids press the sticky mixture firmly into cookie cutters placed on a sheet of wax paper.
- Use a straw to poke a hole in the top for a ribbon.
- Let the ornaments dry and harden for several hours before gently removing the cookie cutters and adding a ribbon for hanging.
13. Felt Ornaments
Felt is a wonderfully forgiving and easy material for kids to work with. With some simple shapes, a bit of stuffing, and some fabric glue, they can create adorable and soft ornaments for the Christmas tree. For older kids, this can be a great first sewing project.
These ornaments are unbreakable, making them perfect for families with toddlers or pets. Kids can create classic shapes like stars and trees, or get creative with animals and monsters. A set of these soft, handmade ornaments is a charming gift.
DIY Tips
- Have the kids draw a simple shape on a piece of paper to use as a template.
- Trace and cut out two identical shapes from colored felt.
- Let the kids decorate the shapes by gluing on smaller felt pieces, buttons, or sequins.
- Place a small amount of cotton ball or polyester stuffing between the two shapes.
- Use fabric glue to seal the edges. Older kids can use a large, blunt needle and embroidery floss to practice a simple running stitch.
14. “I Love You Because…” Jar
This gift is a pure expression of love and is guaranteed to become a treasured keepsake. The craft itself is simple: decorate a jar. The magic is in the messages you help your child write to fill it. It’s a gift that will warm the heart of any parent or grandparent.
The process of brainstorming all the reasons they love someone is a beautiful bonding experience. The recipient can pull out a little note of love whenever they need a smile. This is a gift that truly keeps on giving.
DIY Tips
- Let your child decorate a clean, empty jar using paint markers, stickers, or ribbon.
- Sit down with your child and ask them to finish the sentence, “I love Grandma because…” Write down their answers on small slips of colorful paper.
- Encourage all answers, from the silly (“…she makes the best mac and cheese”) to the sweet (“…she gives the best hugs”).
- Fold up the slips of paper and fill the jar.
- Create a special label for the jar, such as “Reasons We Love You.”
15. Hand-Dipped Pretzel Rods
A classic, easy, and delicious edible gift. Dipping pretzel rods in melted chocolate and covering them in festive sprinkles is a simple and fun activity for kids of all ages. The combination of sweet and salty is always a winner.
A bundle of these colorful pretzel rods, wrapped in a cellophane bag and tied with a ribbon, makes a cheerful and tasty gift for anyone. Teachers, classmates, and neighbors will all appreciate this homemade treat.
DIY Tips
- Melt chocolate chips or candy melts in a tall, narrow glass in the microwave. This makes it easier for kids to dip the pretzel rods.
- After dipping, let the kids go to town with festive sprinkles, crushed peppermint, or mini chocolate chips.
- Lay the decorated pretzels on a sheet of wax or parchment paper to set.
- You can use different kinds of chocolate—milk, dark, or white—for variety.
16. Clothespin Snowman
A simple wooden spring-style clothespin has the perfect shape to be transformed into an adorable little snowman. This is a quick, inexpensive, and charming craft that kids will love. The finished snowmen can be used as ornaments or to clip onto a gift tag.
A small set of these tiny snowmen makes a wonderfully cheerful and handmade gift. Because they are so quick to make, they are a great craft for a group or for making multiple small presents for classmates.
DIY Tips
- Have the kids paint the wooden clothespin white.
- Once dry, they can use fine-tipped markers to draw on the eyes, mouth, and buttons.
- Tie a very thin strip of scrap fabric or ribbon around the “neck” to create a cozy scarf.
- A touch of orange marker or a tiny sliver of orange paper can be used for the carrot nose.
- Glue a small loop of string to the back of the head to turn it into an ornament.
17. Thumbprint Reindeer Gift Tags
Turn a simple thumbprint into an adorable reindeer to decorate a whole set of handmade gift tags. This is a classic craft that is perfect for even the littlest toddlers to participate in. It adds a personal and incredibly sweet touch to every gift under the tree.
Kids love the slightly messy fun of stamping their thumb in paint. With just a few quick additions from a pen, their own unique mark is transformed into a festive character. A bundle of these tags is a lovely gift in itself for a parent or grandparent.
DIY Tips
- Use a brown, washable, non-toxic ink pad or a small amount of brown paint.
- Show your child how to press their thumb in the ink and then firmly onto a plain gift tag.
- Once the thumbprint is dry, use a fine-tipped black marker to draw on antlers, eyes, and tiny legs.
- Use a red marker or a dot of red paint to give Rudolph his shiny nose.
18. Nature Suncatchers
This beautiful craft combines a nature walk with a creative project. Using clear contact paper and natural treasures found in the garden or park, kids can create a stunning suncatcher that looks like floating art. It’s a gift that celebrates the beauty of the natural world.
The process of arranging the leaves, flower petals, and blades of grass is a wonderful, calming activity for kids. The finished suncatcher, hung in a window, will bring a touch of nature’s beauty indoors all winter long.
DIY Tips
- Cut two identical pieces of clear, self-adhesive contact paper.
- Peel the backing off one piece and have your child carefully arrange their collected natural treasures (like flattened leaves, flower petals, and small ferns) onto the sticky side.
- Carefully place the second piece of contact paper, sticky side down, on top of the first to seal the treasures inside.
- Cut the suncatcher into a festive shape, like a circle or a star.
- Punch a hole at the top and add a loop of string for hanging.
19. DIY Slime Kit
For the kid who is obsessed with slime, a DIY slime kit is the ultimate gift for their friends. Instead of gifting the finished slime, you package all the ingredients in a fun and creative way. This gift provides both the materials and the fun experience of making it themselves.
Kids will have a great time helping to measure out the ingredients and decorate the kit. It’s a trendy, fun, and interactive gift that is sure to be a huge hit with their peers.
DIY Tips
- In a small jar or container, put the main ingredient: a bottle of clear or white school glue.
- In a separate, tiny container, place the slime activator (like contact lens solution with boric acid, or a pre-mixed borax solution for older kids).
- Include small baggies of fun mix-ins, like glitter, small foam beads, or food coloring.
- Package all the components together in a box or a large jar.
- Be sure to include a printed set of instructions for how to make the slime.
20. Soup Mix in a Jar
A layered soup mix in a jar is a comforting, practical, and beautiful gift that kids can help assemble. They can carefully spoon in layers of different beans, lentils, pasta, and spices. It’s a wonderful gift for a family, offering them a head start on a cozy, homemade meal.
This is a great gift for teaching kids about different ingredients and the joy of providing a nourishing meal for others. The finished jar, with its colorful, rustic layers, is a beautiful thing to display in the kitchen.
DIY Tips
- Use a wide-mouth mason jar to make layering easier for kids.
- Layer ingredients like split peas, red lentils, kidney beans, alphabet pasta, and barley for a colorful effect.
- Place the seasoning mix (bouillon powder, dried herbs, etc.) in a small, sealed plastic bag and tuck it in at the top.
- Attach a recipe card with clear instructions, detailing what fresh ingredients (like water, broth, or tomatoes) need to be added.
21. DIY Playdough
A batch of soft, colorful, homemade playdough is a fantastic gift for younger friends, cousins, or siblings. Kids love the entire process of making playdough, from mixing and kneading to choosing the colors and scents. The homemade version is wonderfully soft and long-lasting.
This is a frugal gift that provides hours of creative and sensory play for the recipient. You can package a few different colors together to create a beautiful and fun gift set.
DIY Tips
- Use a simple, no-cook playdough recipe that kids can help mix, or a cooked recipe that an adult handles at the stove.
- After the basic dough is made, divide it into sections and let the kids knead in different colors of food coloring.
- Add a few drops of a calming essential oil like lavender or a fun scent like vanilla extract.
- Store the playdough in small, airtight containers or zip-top bags to keep it fresh.
- Consider gifting it with a small rolling pin or a few fun-shaped cookie cutters.
22. Pom-Pom Coasters
This is a soft, colorful, and fun craft that results in a surprisingly chic and useful gift. By gluing colorful pom-poms onto a cork or felt base, kids can create a set of unique and cheerful coasters. It’s a great project for practicing color patterns and fine motor skills.
These coasters are a fun pop of color for any coffee table and are a great gift for parents, grandparents, or teachers. Kids will love working with the soft, fluffy pom-poms.
DIY Tips
- Use a sturdy base, like a pre-cut cork or thick felt circle.
- Provide a variety of small, colorful pom-poms.
- Use a strong craft glue or a low-temp glue gun (with adult supervision).
- Encourage kids to create a pattern or a random, confetti-like design.
- Make sure to cover the entire surface of the base, fitting the pom-poms tightly together for the best look.
23. Hand-Painted Tea Towels
A plain white cotton tea towel is a perfect canvas for a child’s artistic expression. Using fabric markers or fabric paint, they can create a custom-designed kitchen towel that is both a piece of art and a useful household item. This is a gift that will be proudly displayed and used.
Grandparents especially love gifts that feature their grandchild’s unique artwork. A simple drawing of the family, a collection of handprints, or a colorful abstract design all make for a beautiful and personal gift.
DIY Tips
- Pre-wash and iron the 100% cotton tea towels before decorating.
- Place a piece of cardboard inside the towel to prevent the paint or marker from bleeding through.
- Use fabric markers for easy drawing or fabric paint for a bolder look.
- Once the design is complete, an adult will need to heat-set it with an iron according to the product’s instructions to make it washable.
24. Marbled Mugs with Nail Polish
This is a truly magical craft project with a stunning, high-end result. By floating nail polish on the surface of warm water and dipping a plain ceramic mug, you can create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind marbled effect. Kids are mesmerized by the process of the colors swirling and adhering to the mug.
This is a fantastic gift that looks incredibly professional. Each mug will have its own unique pattern, making it a truly personal piece of art. It’s a wonderful gift for anyone on your list.
DIY Tips
- Use a disposable container that is deep enough to dip the mug into. Fill it with warm water.
- Have the kids choose a few colors of nail polish and gently drop them onto the surface of the water.
- Quickly use a toothpick to swirl the colors together.
- Wearing gloves, dip the mug into the water and pull it out. The polish film will adhere to the surface.
- Let the mug dry completely on a piece of paper towel. The finished mug is for decorative purposes or should be hand-washed carefully, avoiding the painted area.
25. “Open When…” Letters
This is a deeply thoughtful and sentimental gift that older kids can really enjoy putting together. The idea is to write a collection of letters, each with a specific instruction on the envelope, like “Open when you miss me” or “Open when you need a laugh.” It’s a gift of emotional support and connection.
This is a perfect gift for a grandparent who lives far away, a parent who travels for work, or a best friend. It takes time and thought, but it is one of the most meaningful gifts a child can give.
DIY Tips
- Help your child brainstorm a list of “Open when…” scenarios.
- Provide them with nice stationery and envelopes.
- Encourage them to write a letter, draw a picture, or even include a small, flat item (like a photo or a comic strip) for each scenario.
- Seal each envelope and have the child write the specific instruction clearly on the front.
- Tie the whole bundle of letters together with a beautiful ribbon.
26. Painted Wooden Spoons
A set of plain wooden spoons can be transformed into a bright and cheerful kitchen utensil set that is perfect for gifting. Kids can paint the handles of the spoons with colorful patterns and designs. It’s a simple way to add a pop of handmade charm to a kitchen.
This is a beautiful and practical gift for anyone who loves to cook. The finished spoons are perfect for display in a utensil crock on the counter. It’s a craft that allows kids to create something that is both artistic and genuinely useful.
DIY Tips
- Use masking tape to create a clean line where the painted section of the handle will end.
- Let the kids paint the handles with non-toxic acrylic paints.
- They can create simple designs like stripes, polka dots, or color blocks.
- Once the paint is dry, an adult should apply a coat of a food-safe sealant to the painted handles to protect the design.
- Tie the set of spoons together with a piece of twine or a festive ribbon.
27. Personalized Tote Bag
A plain canvas tote bag is another wonderful blank canvas for a child’s creativity. Using fabric markers or paints, they can design a custom, reusable bag for a parent or grandparent. It’s an eco-friendly gift that is perfect for carrying groceries, library books, or beach essentials.
A child’s drawing on a tote bag is a bold and proud statement of their love. A collection of family handprints in different colors is another classic and heartwarming design. This is a gift that will be used with pride.
DIY Tips
- Pre-wash the canvas tote bag.
- Place a piece of cardboard inside the bag to create a flat surface and to prevent bleed-through.
- Let your child draw their design with fabric markers or paint with fabric paints.
- An adult will need to heat-set the design with an iron to make it permanent and washable.
28. “Explosion” Box
An explosion box is a delightful surprise gift. On the outside, it looks like a simple gift box. But when the lid is removed, the sides of the box “explode” outwards to reveal multiple layers of photos, messages, and drawings. It’s a scrapbook in a box.
This is a fantastic project for older kids who can help with the measuring, cutting, and gluing. It’s a deeply personal and interactive gift that is perfect for a very special person like a parent or a best friend.
DIY Tips
- There are many simple templates and video tutorials for explosion boxes available online.
- The box is constructed from several pieces of cardstock that are nested inside each other.
- Let your child choose the photos and decide what messages and drawings to put on the different panels.
- You can create small pockets to hold special notes or even a small, flat gift in the center.
29. Personalized Puzzle
A handmade puzzle is a fun and interactive gift. Kids can create a piece of artwork on a piece of cardboard or poster board, and then an adult can help them cut it into puzzle pieces. It’s a gift that provides a fun activity for the whole family to do together.
Alternatively, you can purchase a blank puzzle kit from a craft store. This gives you perfectly interlocking pieces and a box to store them in. The child’s job is to create the masterpiece on the blank puzzle.
DIY Tips
- Have the child draw a colorful picture with lots of details on a piece of thick cardstock.
- An adult should use a craft knife to cut the picture into classic puzzle shapes.
- For younger kids, make a simpler puzzle with fewer, larger pieces.
- Decorate a small box to hold the puzzle pieces and include a photo of the finished artwork on the lid.
30. DIY Snow Globes
A homemade snow globe is a magical and enchanting gift that captures a tiny winter wonderland inside a jar. Kids can choose a small figurine to be the star of their scene and will love the magical effect of the swirling glitter. It’s a classic Christmas craft that is always a delight.
This is a wonderful gift that can be brought out and displayed year after year. It’s a beautiful piece of holiday decor that holds a special, handmade charm.
DIY Tips
- Use a clean, empty jar with a tight-fitting lid, like a baby food jar or an olive jar.
- An adult should use a strong, waterproof glue (like E6000 or epoxy) to attach a small plastic figurine (like a miniature animal or a Christmas tree) to the inside of the lid.
- Fill the jar almost to the top with distilled water. Add a few drops of glycerin (found at pharmacies), which will help the glitter fall more slowly.
- Add a generous amount of glitter.
- Screw the lid on very tightly (an adult can add a line of glue around the rim for extra security) and turn it upside down.
31. Washi Tape Bookmarks
This is a very simple, no-mess craft that is perfect for younger kids. Using colorful and patterned washi tape, they can decorate large craft sticks or strips of cardstock to create beautiful and unique bookmarks. It’s a great gift for any book lover.
A set of these bookmarks is a practical and pretty gift for a teacher, a parent, or a friend who loves to read. Kids can practice their scissor skills and create fun patterns with the different tapes.
DIY Tips
- Provide a variety of washi tapes with different colors and patterns.
- Show the kids how to wrap the tape around a large craft stick or a pre-cut piece of cardstock.
- They can create stripes by laying different tapes next to each other.
- Trim any excess tape from the edges.
- Punch a hole at the top and add a yarn tassel for a finishing touch.
32. Tin Can Pen Holder
An empty, clean tin can is a perfect upcycled base for a useful and personalized pen and pencil holder. Kids can decorate the can to create a fun and functional piece of desk art. It’s a gift that helps keep a workspace tidy and cheerful.
This is a great, eco-friendly gift for a parent or a teacher for their desk. The decorating possibilities are endless, from painting to covering it with washi tape or fabric.
DIY Tips
- Make sure the can is clean and that there are no sharp edges around the rim (an adult should check this).
- Kids can paint the can with acrylic paints.
- Alternatively, they can cover the can by wrapping it with decorative paper, fabric, or washi tape.
- Gluing on pom-poms, buttons, or even googly eyes can add a fun, 3D element.
33. Perler Bead Creations
Perler beads (or other brands of fuse beads) are a classic craft that allows kids to create detailed, pixel-art-like designs. By arranging the colorful beads on a pegboard, they can create anything they can imagine. An adult then fuses the beads together with an iron.
The finished, fused creations can be turned into ornaments, keychains, or magnets. This is a gift that requires patience and concentration, and the results are bright, colorful, and durable.
DIY Tips
- Provide a variety of pegboard shapes and a wide array of bead colors.
- Kids can follow a pattern or create their own unique design.
- Once the design is complete, an adult places a piece of ironing paper over the beads and melts them together with a medium-hot iron.
- You can glue a magnet to the back or add a jump ring and a key ring to the top.
34. DIY Coasters
A set of personalized coasters is a practical and stylish gift that will be used for years to come. Kids can decorate plain ceramic or cork tiles to create a unique and functional set. It’s a gift that protects furniture while showing off a child’s artistic flair.
This is a wonderful gift for parents, grandparents, or a favorite family friend. A child’s abstract art or a simple handprint can be transformed into a professional-looking and very useful item.
DIY Tips
- Use inexpensive, plain ceramic tiles from a hardware store.
- Let the kids draw on the tiles with oil-based paint markers or permanent markers.
- Another option is to use Mod Podge to decoupage a child’s drawing or a pretty piece of paper onto the tile.
- An adult should seal the finished design with a few coats of a clear, heat-resistant sealant.
- Glue small felt or cork circles to the bottom corners of the tile to prevent scratching.
35. A “Hug” from Me to You
This is a wonderfully sweet and sentimental gift, especially for a grandparent or a loved one who lives far away. It is a life-sized “hug” that they can unroll and wrap around themselves whenever they need one. It’s a tangible representation of a child’s affection.
The process of creating this gift is a fun and active one. The final product is a deeply personal and comforting keepsake that will be cherished.
DIY Tips
- Roll out a large piece of paper (like butcher paper or the back of wrapping paper).
- Have the child lie down on the paper with their arms outstretched.
- Trace the outline of their head, torso, and arms.
- Let the child color in the tracing of themselves.
- Cut out the “hug,” roll it up like a scroll, and tie it with a ribbon. Attach a tag that says, “A Hug from Me to You! Open whenever you need one.”
Conclusion
The magic of a child-made gift isn’t in its perfection, but in its heart. The smudged paint, the wobbly lines, and the earnest effort are all part of its immense charm. By guiding your children through the process of creating for others, you are giving them a gift far more valuable than any toy: the understanding that the best presents come from the heart and the hands.
This holiday season, make time for the joyful, happy mess of crafting together. The laughter, the learning, and the love that fill your home during these moments are the true spirit of Christmas. The beautiful, unique gifts that result are just a wonderful, tangible bonus.