| Kids love playing a part in the | | | | some pizzaz. Let the kids wrap it |
| Christmas festivities and when you let | | | | themselves by rolling it tightly and |
| them make their gifts it is also | | | | then tying it with a ribbon. |
| educational. They learn they can reach | | | | Another homemade Christmas gift that |
| their goals through the process of | | | | kids can easily make is a lightweight |
| creation, hard work and organization. | | | | balsa wood box for storing little |
| Most importantly, through gift-making | | | | personal items or stamps. It can be |
| they obtain a strong moral foundation by | | | | decorated with small colored beads, or |
| sharing their love and caring for | | | | glue faux jewels on the lid, and then |
| others. There are many easy homemade | | | | perhaps put a picture of the child on |
| gifts that your children can make for | | | | the inside of the box. Add a cardboard |
| friends, family and neighbors. By just | | | | bottom for a little extra support and |
| taking a little time out of your | | | | then put a felt lining for some added |
| schedule, you can provide an example of | | | | color. Make it a keepsake by adding a |
| the spirit of love for your children and | | | | special date on the top of the box. |
| other special people in your life. These | | | | Kids also like to give other box type |
| easy craft gift ideas are inexpensive to | | | | gifts, such as clear plastic formed |
| make and a lot of fun, as well. Start a | | | | boxes. Companies on the internet carry |
| new family holiday tradition of homemade | | | | them. Spend just a few extra dollars and |
| gift making with your children. | | | | buy one with a slit on the top for a |
| Easy gifts for your kids to make at | | | | piggy bank for their friends. Make the |
| Christmas time can be so many things. | | | | box unique by painting it with permanent |
| How about an easy latch hook rug kit | | | | paint in a favorite color and then glue |
| your child can make for a loved one? | | | | a multicolored ribbon on it. Your child |
| Many major discount stores carry them. | | | | may like to add a penny to the box to |
| Start your child off with a small | | | | get the gift recipient started on his |
| project that he will be proud to give as | | | | new piggy bank. |
| a gift. Appealing designs are cats or | | | | Other easy gifts for kids to make are |
| flowers. These are very safe for your | | | | simple ribbon bookmarks or ribbon |
| child to begin on because there are no | | | | jewelry. Make plain pillowcases a |
| small dangerous items such as needles or | | | | special and unique gift by having your |
| scissors. A good idea is to separate the | | | | kids dip their hands in paint and print |
| little yarn threads into small storage | | | | their names on the pillowcase. |
| containers, so he will be able to use | | | | Grandparents will love these gifts |
| them as needed. The latch hook itself is | | | | because they're not only useful, they |
| very safe - it has no sharp parts - but | | | | will be able to keep their grandchildren |
| be careful to warn your child not to run | | | | close to their hearts every night when |
| with it. The kit's canvas is clearly | | | | they go to sleep. |
| marked with where to place the colored | | | | Helping your children create these easy |
| yarn, and the back can be taped for | | | | projects will mean so much to them and |
| later quick stitching so it will hold | | | | others, especially those that live apart |
| securely. | | | | from them. Your kids want to be able to |
| Another fun homemade gift project is | | | | say that they made their gift |
| fleece scarves. Material is easily found | | | | themselves, so be sure to let them do as |
| in fabric and craft stores. The material | | | | much of the gift-making as they can. It |
| is available in a variety of designs, | | | | can be tempting to correct them, but |
| from solids to colorful holiday prints. | | | | allow yourself to ignore their little |
| With your child as your helper, you can | | | | mistakes, and know that they are making |
| cut and measure the width and length | | | | their gifts with the all the love that |
| necessary. Edges can be plain or cut | | | | is in their hearts. And isn't that the |
| them into short strips on the end to add | | | | true spirit of Christmas? |