LAST-MINUTE GIFTS KIDS CAN MAKE
Experts agree that getting kids involved with making and giving presents can be a great way to instill important values, such as generosity, creativity and thoughtfulness.
But empowering children with giftgiving doesn’t have to break the piggy bank. Fantastically festive and charmingly personalized gifts can be made for little to no money – merely the cost of the materials, many of which you may already have at home.
“Kids tend to get caught up in the getting of gifts. So, it’s important to put some focus on gift-giving. Thoughtful gifts that take a bit of effort are always more meaningful than generic store-bought items. And they capture a moment in the children’s lives that only comes once,” says Emily Krill, an artist and owner of Matchy Matchy Studio in Pittsburgh.
Additionally, working on a DIY project with your son or daughter can be a great bonding experience. “By taking the time to help them create a gift, you can show them that you value their time and effort,” says Inez Stanway, a former elementary school teacher.
Recorded audio can make a fantastic present, says Krill. Have kids recount memories or tell stories for relatives, especially if they’re far away. In addition, videos are easily sharable and welcome gifts for relatives who miss them – let the kids play director and create their own holiday skits.
Cinnamon-scented ornaments are the perfect expression of homemade love and creativity, believes Christine Burke, editor of highlights.com. “They’re perfect to hang on a tree, hang in a window, or be used as potpourri,” says Burke.
Begin by mixing 1/4 cup of cinnamon with 4 tablespoons of applesauce, increasing the ratio if you desire more dough. Add more cinnamon if the dough is too sticky to handle; if it’s too dry, add more applesauce. Flatten the dough, and using cookie cutters, cut the dough into shapes. Using a straw, make a hole in the top of the ornament. In about one week, the ornaments will be dry and ready to hang.
Or, in a pinch, have your children help you make holiday cookies that they can place in a tin, wrap up decoratively, and present to relatives.