When you think
about homemade you usually do not think about children. After all, homemade can
mean the project is difficult, right? No, in fact homemade can be quite the
opposite. Making things by hand does not mean it has to be hard at all. If you
think about it, handmade gifts were the first gifts ever. How many children
make drawings or cards for their parents as their first real gift? Those are
things that parents, grandparents, and family friends treasure forever because
they come from the heart. With that in mind, here are five great homemade gifts
that any child can create and give away:
1.
Story book – What could be better than a
personalized story book? A person of any age would be delighted to see their
name in a story just about them. Not only does this delight the person getting
the gift, but it also gives children the opportunity to use their imagination
and picture themselves in someone else’s shoes. They can think about what
occupation the person has, what they do during their day, what they are
interested in, and where they would like to travel to.
This
allows children to think about others in two ways: by making an effort for someone
else and thinking about someone else’s life. All it takes to create a story book
is some construction paper, yarn, and a hole-puncher. Punch three holes on one
side of the papers and thread the yarn through the holes. Tie in pretty bows
and your book is ready to write and illustrate. Crayons, markers, or colored
pencils make for great illustrations. Have children work on their handwriting
and artistic skills while creating a gift for someone else.
2.
Recipe Jar – Everyone can use a little help when it
comes to cooking, so why not give them the gift of a meal or dessert? Using dry
ingredients that will not spoil, children can create mixes for soups, chili,
cakes, or brownies. By layering the ingredients neatly in a large mason jar,
children not only create a meal but a work of art as well. Add colorful
ingredients like multi-colored pasta, mini candy coated chocolates, or various
spices to the jars to really bring out the artistic side.
The
kids can decorate the jar with paint or material. Make sure they give the
recipe with the jar so that other can replicate this tasty treat. Simply have
them tie a small card to the lid of the jar. If there are nuts or gluten,
please make sure to include a warning for allergy sufferers. Kids can have fun
creating these delicious gifts, and then can make their own for dinner that
night!
3.
Wind chimes – If you have a creative child that loves
to collect things, this is the perfect homemade gift for them to make.
Virtually any collection of small objects can make a beautiful wind chime. Sea
shells and coral tied to a piece of driftwood make a great ocean themed wind
chime. For a more masculine touch, washers, nuts and bolts tied to a wrench
make a great decoration for the garage workspace. Sea glass, marbles, or
natural stones catch the light as well as the wind, and a copper-tinted coat
hanger holds them all creatively. Simply use fishing line to dangle the odds
and ends and your child has the perfect gift in no time.
4.
Pencil holder –Everyone with a desk needs a place to
put their pencils, and what could be better than a constant reminder of how
much they are loved? Almost any tall, thin container can be made into a pencil
holder. Mason jars, tin cans, mismatched glasses, small boxes, and even
weighted toilet paper tubes can be turned into desk accessories. Have the
children use their imagination to come up with objects that will work. Decorate
with paint, markers, crayon, material or anything else they can think of. A
little glitter and glue are not bad ideas either. They can even attach a
picture of themselves to really personalize their gift.
5.
Treasure Box – Whether you are young or old, you
always have things you treasure. Have the kids make up a treasure box for a
gift. Something that captures the unique spirit of the recipient. Using a small
box, preferably one with a lid, have the children decorate it with things that
are meaningful. Pictures cut out from magazines, drawings, or stickers work
well. They can also do the classic glitter and pasta route for something that
looks like a king or queen will use.
Fake gems and shimmery accessories can
make it glamorous. For a more masculine box, try the monster route. Using
googly eyes and lots of green, make a box an alien would be proud to use. Glue
on paper teeth and yarn hair for effect. Even a Halloween themed box, like a
mummy’s chest or a vampire’s casket could be a fun give away idea. Decorated
tiny mint tins make for great treats!
Whether they are
making a Christmas gift, a birthday surprise, or just a gift for any occasion,
these ideas should get them started. There are tons of inventive ideas they can
come up with using objects you have around the house. There is no reason to
have to spend a lot of effort or money coming up with gift ideas. All it takes
is a lot of creativity and a little time for children to create gifts that will
last forever in the hearts and minds of their recipients.
Author Byline:
Ken Myers as an
Expert Advisor on multiple household help issues to many Organizations and
groups, and is a mentor for other “Mom-preneurs” seeking guidance. He is a regular contributor of “www.gonannies.com/”. You can get in touch with him at
kmyers.ceo@gmail.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment