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