3 Ideas for Kid-made Christmas Gifts

3 Ideas for Kid-made Christmas Gifts Tweet this!

This holiday season why not gather up a few craft supplies and let your kids help make some gifts for friends and family? Below are three fun ideas that we found on Pinterest. For photos and more detailed instructions check out our Pinterest Board "Handmade Gifts By/For Kids." We hope one or two will be a hit with your family!

1. Glass Marble Fridge Magnets

Depending on your child’s age and dexterity, this activity will require some supervision, since it requires measuring and cutting and uses a glue that is stronger than typical white school glue. You will need:

  • scrapbook paper or wrapping paper
  • glass floral marbles (they have one flat side- found near silk flowers in most craft stores and at the dollar store)
  • magnets
  • craft glue called "E-6000" (widely available)
  • scissors and a pencil

Begin by tracing marble sized circles onto your paper. Cut them out, then glue each (use just a little glue!) IMAGE SIDE UP to the flat side of a marble and let them dry. When dry, dab another bit of glue to the back of each marble and attach a magnet. Let them dry again, then decorate them with images that tell a story, with letters or numbers (for learning magnets), or any way you choose. After that, package them together as a set for gift giving.

2. Fingerprint Heart Ornaments

This memento will record the tiny fingerprint of your little one for years to come. You'll need:

  • q-tips
  • red and green acrylic paint
  • ribbon for hanging the ornament
  • "air dry clay" from a craft store

Roll out a portion of clay to 1/4 inch thick. Be sure to cover any unused clay with a damp towel to keep it from drying out. Cut circles with a cookie cutter or a glass. Use a straw to make a hole near the top for the string. Help your child make a heart shape, using just her index fingerprint and let the ornament dry. Then let her paint! Using a q-tip, instead of a paintbrush, will allow her to better control keeping the paint inside her "heart." When the hearts are done and dry, you can write names and dates on the back with a sharpie and tie a pretty ribbon through the hole for hanging on the tree. Who wouldn't love to receive a hand-made heart from their niece, nephew, or grandchild?

3. Chocolate Spoons (for Cocoa)

These easy treats make a great gift when wrapped up with some delicious hot chocolate packets. What you’ll need:

  • 12 plastic or wooden spoons
  • 8 ounces of melting chocolate ("candy coating" or "chocolate bark")
  • sprinkles (try to find holiday sprinkles)
  • miniature marshmallows
  • crushed candy canes
  • wax paper

Melt the chocolate in a coffee mug in the microwave, stirring at 30 second intervals, for about 1 minute 30 seconds. (This is the adult's job). Stir until completely smooth. Show your little one how to dip the rounded tip of the spoon into the chocolate, place on the wax paper, and let him top with sprinkles, mini marshmallows, etc. Allow the spoons to cool for an hour. Then wrap them in plastic wrap, tie with ribbon, and gift them with some yummy hot cocoa mix.

We hope you and your children will enjoy making memories (and maybe a mess) together this holiday season, while you put together some handmade goodies for your loved ones.

Happy Holidays from the Urban Child Institute!

Jennifer Wilson

Jennifer Wilson is a graduate of Rhodes College and the University of Memphis. After years of teaching in early childhood education, she is now a full-time, work-at-home mother. She and her husband, Scott, have three children, ages 15, 12, and 6. She lives in Memphis, TN.