Holiday Gift Ideas Kids Can Make Themselves

This holiday season many people are trying to avoid buying dangerous and over priced gifts. With the fears of lead in many toys and children's items as well as the awareness of some companies less than ethical treatment of employees in some countries the desire to find better gifts continues to grow. Many are joining a pledge to buy only handmade gift this year as a way to be certain that the gift they give are safe and ethical.

Parents know that getting their children involved can be a great opportunity to learn and grow. Gift giving is no exception. Now is the perfect time to help your children understand the real joy of giving and stay away from any gifts that might not be safe to give. Instead of spending money to buy holiday presents spend some time and help your children create gifts for everyone on their lists. The warm feeling they will get and the fond memories adds a special glow to the holiday season that lasts. Here are some simple gift ideas that you can help your children create this holiday season.

Knit Goods

Knitting is one of those fun crafts and anyone can learn to do. Even young children can finger knit small bookmarks that can be given as gifts. Scarves, hats, and gloves are all simple items that be knitted quickly and make great gifts. There are hundreds of free patterns online that you can use to help your children make a toasty gift for someone on their list.

Baked Treats

Baked treats are another great gift idea that everyone loves. Preschoolers can help measure, pour and stir ingredients while older children can do most or all of the baking themselves. Cookies, muffins, and breads are favorite foods that can be baked and wrapped up. A fun alternative to baking the treats is to give them as a gift in a jar. Mix the dry ingredients together and place inside a small glass jar. Seal with a lid and decorate. Include a recipe on what to add and how to bake the treats for a fun and homemade gift.

Magnets

Magnets are a fun craft that you can help your children make to give this holiday season. Most craft shops sell packages of magnetic strips or of small round magnets. Your children can glue on whatever they want to create one of a kind gifts that can hang up all year round. Use photos, ribbon, sea shells, beads, or even the child's artwork for inspired gifts. Be sure to use strong glue so that everything holds together and laminate any paper so that it will last.

Handmade Ornaments

Handmade ornaments can be a great gift idea that kids and make. One simple way that any child can do is to make salt dough ornaments. Here is a basic recipe for making salt dough

-2 cups flour
-1 cup salt
-1 cup warm water

Mix the salt and flour together, then gradually add the water until the dough becomes elastic. If the mixture turns out too sticky then add more flour, if it turns out too crumbly then add more water. Knead the dough until it becomes an even consistency then roll it out. From here you can let your children cut shapes, roll balls, and create whatever ornaments they want. Make sure that each ornament has a place to thread ribbon or twine to hang it from. Place the ornaments on a baking sheet covered with wax paper. Bake the ornaments at 200*F for 3 to 4 hours. The clay is dry when a tap from a knife blade makes a clear sound. Once baked you can let your children paint them however they wish. When the paint is dry be sure to cover each ornament with three layers of a clear varnish to protect them.

Jewelry

Handcrafted jewelry is another gift that kids of any age can create. Young children can string simple beads to make necklaces and bracelets that are sure to make someone happy. Older children can get creative and create more unique jewelry. Using needle nose pliers wire can be bent and coiled to create interesting earrings and necklaces that may become favorite pieces.

These are just a few of the many fun gift ideas that kids can make themselves this holiday season. Creating handmade gifts is an inspiring and thoughtful way to show how much they care and helps parents stay clear of gifts that they feel are not safe. I hope these ideas inspire you to let your children be crafty this holiday season.