Four Homemade Gifts for Christmas or Any Occasion Kids Can Make

Homemade gifts for Christmas come from the heart. To me, a homemade gift is something special that was made just for you by someone who cares about you. If your child enjoys making things, these four gifts are sure to bring a smile to those on their Christmas list. Inexpensive and quick to make, these homemade gifts for Christmas or any occasion can be made in an afternoon and is a great way to spend some extra time with your child. You may even find yourself getting in on the fun.

POPSICLE STICK PENCIL HOLDER

This fun and simple homemade gift for Christmas or any occasion can be made in an afternoon. Instead of polishing off a couple dozen boxes of ice cream bars to get the sticks, the best sticks to use for this simple Christmas gift are craft sticks. You can find them in any craft section in stores that carry craft supplies.

You will need:

Craft sticks

A clean tin can

Rubber bands

Kid friendly craft glue

Paint and a Paint brush

For kids 5 years and up

Begin by painting the sticks. You can paint each stick a different color, use one or two colors on each stick, or be really creative and paint designs on the sticks. If you prefer the natural color of the wood, skip the painting process. Allow the paint to dry before moving on to the next step.

The tin can will be the inside part of your pencil holder. Start by gluing the painted sticks around the can. When you've completed going all the way around the can with your sticks, place a couple of rubber bands around the decorated can until the glue has dried. Buttons, stickers, sequins or any creative personalizations can be added to create a one of a kind homemade gift for Christmas or any occasion.

CLAY POT BIRD BATH OR KEY HOLDER

You will need:

Any size Terra Cotta Clay pot and saucer

Paint, rub-ons or stencils

Clear Acrylic Sealer Spray

For kids 6 years and up

An easy to make homemade gift for Christmas or any occasion that is practical and cute. If making a bird bath, you want a pot size of 16 inches or larger. A coin or key holder would use a smaller pot. Use a damp cloth and wipe down the outside of the pot and both sides of the saucer if you want to decorate the top and bottom of the saucer. Begin by painting flowers, shapes, animals or anything you like on the outside of the pot and saucer. Instead of painting, you can also use stencils or rub-ons. When you are done, the pot stands upside down with the saucer sitting on the top of the bottom of the pot. You will need to seal the pot and saucer once the paint has dried. Make sure to follow the directions on the Acrylic Sealer when applying it to the pot. If the pot is used outside as a bird bath, make sure to bring it inside during the winter to avoid damage to the pot from colder temperatures.

TINY SEED GROWER

You will need:

A clear film container or pill bottle with cap

A magnet strip

Cotton Balls

Flower or vegetable seeds

Craft glue

For kids 3 years and up

If you are looking for an educational homemade gift for Christmas or any occasion, this tiny grower is a fun way to watch how seeds grow. Make sure the inside of the bottle is clean. This kid friendly homemade gift is best left undecorated. Glue a magnet strip along one side of the bottle. Put two cotton balls inside and dampen with some water. Add your seeds and then place another damp cotton ball on top. Now it's ready to hang from your refrigerator or any metal surface where your child can watch the seeds spread their roots and grow. Make sure to keep the cotton balls damp, but not so wet to have standing water in the bottom of the container. If your child is making this as a gift for Christmas, put the cap on the bottle before wrapping. This homemade gift for Christmas or any occasion would be great for teachers, grandparents, mom or dad, classmates or siblings. When the seed is ready, it can be replanted into another pot or in a garden. Replant the bottle to continue the fun.

SILHOUETTE ART

You will need:

Large paper

Tape

A flashlight or small lamp

Pen or pencil

For kids 5 years and up

A fun homemade gift for Christmas that's sure to please grandparents. Tape a piece of paper to the wall and place the child in a chair or have them stand sideways next to the paper. Pull the curtains to darken the room and shine the flashlight or light from the lamp (minus the shade) on them to create their profile on the paper. Draw around their shadow to create the perfect profile. An older brother or sister can help the younger ones. Cut out the tracing on the paper and mount on a different color of paper or piece of fabric. Put in a frame and hang for a cool and special homemade gift for Christmas or any occasion.

Christmas is a time of giving. Creating a gift gives a child a special feeling of accomplishment and knowing it is something they made for someone special. It really is true, it's not how much the gift cost that matters-it's the love and "I made this just for you" that makes a homemade gift for Christmas or any occasion special and perfect.

Sherri Osborn, 100 Home-Made Gift Ideas, About.com

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