Teach a Child to Knit - A Cheap, Inexpensive Christmas Present

Economically challenged times call for creativity when it comes to giving holiday gifts. It's hard for adults trying to fulfill a child's Christmas dreams. But we grown-ups sometimes forget that what children really want from us is love, time, attention and approval. One of the best ways to spend time with a child is to give them a gift that's free - teach them a fun skill. If you're a knitter, why not pass that knowledge down, as you would pass along a family heirloom.

One of the most cherished and clearest memories from my childhood is the day my Aunt Anita first taught me to knit. It was a gift that was inexpensive but precious. I will never forget the gentleness of her hands or the kindness in her voice as she explained this timeless craft to me.

My Aunt Anita worked in various mediums - knit, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch - she could do anything. When we would visit her apartment in Brooklyn the first place I would go was her "knitting" chair. I was curious to see what she was making. She made gifts for me quite often and I was always hoping there was a sweater or afghan for me in her basket. But I also loved touching the yarns and I was fascinated by all the colors and different textures. The knitting needles and crochet hooks were these mysterious tools that turned string into things!

The day she presented me with my very first set of knitting needles and yarn was the day she gave me the best gift of all. I was seven and had gone to her home to spend the weekend. It was near Christmas and snowing that day because I remember her saying, "Here's an early Christmas present. I think today would be the perfect day for this."

She handed me a box wrapped in red and green tissue paper. Inside was a set of Boye #8 knitting needles (I still have them) and one skein each of Lion Brand red and green yarn. These gifts were cheap but as a kid I didn't know that. I was thrilled! I begged her to teach me to use them. She made a pot of tea, put out some Peek Freans Fruit Creme cookies (my favorite) and proceeded, very patiently, to teach me to cast on.

It was hard for me at first. The needles felt enormous and the yarn slippery. But my aunt was kind and willing to take her time with me and eventually I was knitting on my own.

Like being taught to read and write, the skill and craft of knitting has lasted me a lifetime. In addition to making sweaters and afghans for myself I have made gifts that are more welcome than anything store bought.

This inexpensive gift for children will benefit their eye-hand coordination. Knitting helps develop dexterity. It lights up the creativity centers in the brain and strengthens a child's confidence level. Knitting teaches a kid to start and finish a project. And what kid doesn't love to proclaim, "I made this!" Knitting also gets children away from the vampiric television, video games and endless text messages. If they're going to sit at least have them sit and make something.

If you want an inexpensive prepackaged present, "learn to knit" kits make an economical gift. Lion Brand has two which include illustrated instructions, needles and yarn. Their Learn to Knit Kit comes with size 15 Boye knitting needles and 2 balls of Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick. They also have a Learn to Knit Kit 2 which contains size 10 needles and two skeins of Chunky USA. A third kit (the one I prefer) is the Boye Beginner's Knit Kit. It includes instruction book for left- and right-handed knitters, single-point needle pair in size 6 and 8, a knit tally, cable stitch needles, stitch holders, tapestry yarn needles, 3/4" cabone rings, point protectors and a knitting gauge. The Boye kit doesn't include yarn. You have to buy that separately. I believe all the additional tools enhance the child's desire to learn because kids are naturally curious.

And if you want a cheap supplemental video learning gift I suggest, for younger children, Leisure Arts The Art of Knitting 4 Kids Kit. The host is 7 year old Ryan Anderson who along with instructor Marcy Levitas Hamilton teaches kids how to make easy knitted balls and toys. The kit includes an instructional DVD, yarn and needles. For older kids Leisure Arts also has the I Can't Believe I'm Knitting Kit. It too comes with an instructional DVD, yarn and needles. And for teens Leisure Arts has the wonderfully titled No Rules Knitting at the Teen Knit Cafe Kit. You can also purchase the DVDs without the yarn and needles.

Whether you buy a kit or make up your own gift kit (that's best!) the most important aspect of teaching a child to knit is the fact that you'll be doing something together. All over the country families are discovering that children and adults who spend too much time with costly techie gadgets are really wasting time. People are turning instead to activities that bring family members together. They are happier, healthier and richer for it.

Knitting is productive, relaxes the body and stimulates the brain. But more than anything teaching a child to knit is inexpensive and FUN! Anybody can learn. So this Christmas, whether it's your daughter, son, niece, nephew or grandchild, give a child a free gift - your time. It doesn't get better than that.