Children's Craft Holiday Gifts

Every year my kids make their gifts for their grandparents. Sometimes it takes a lot of creativity on Mom's part to find new projects for them to do. Here are just a few of the things we've done.

When I only had two children, I gave them each a piece of construction paper trimmed to 5x7. They made their masterpieces and I framed them in a double frame. I wrote their names and ages on the frames too. The boys loved seeing their masterpieces displayed at Grandma's house.

I've bought ceramic ornaments at the craft store and let my kids paint them. On the back I wrote their names, older kids should write their own for the sentimental value, and the date.

Whatever your child is interested in, you can adapt it to a gift with an inexpensive frame or other presentation. Play Doh even has display cases for your child's creations.

Coasters are a fun and functional craft to make. For a relatively cheap version, have your child draw on 4x4 inch squares of paper. Then laminate them for inexpensive coasters. I purchased a set of photo coasters and inserted photos of my kids' artwork for Grandma to use. The artwork can be changed later if desired.

Older kids will love making things out of shrink plastic. Sheets can be purchased at your local craft store and your child can stamp, draw, or print a picture on the plastic with colored pencils or inks. Cut out the shape carefully and punch a hole with a hole punch if you are making jewelry. Follow the manufactures directions to bake and make a charm bracelet or necklace.

Older kids can use beads and charms to make keychains. Letter beads are available to spell out words and they can use beads with pictures on them or shaped beads to represent a special memory they have with their grandparent. Keyrings, beads, and the string can be purchased at most any craft store.

Grandparents, especially out of town grandparents, will be thrilled to receive a piece of their grandchildren's artwork and and your child will feel very special to see their work proudly displayed at Grandma's house.