Kids Handmade Holiday: Holiday Gifts Kids Can Make

Like many of you, this year we are doing an all handmade holiday.  This includes the kids!  My sister and I have seven kids between us and working together we came up with a big list of all the things that the kids could make for their siblings, cousins, parents, aunt, uncle, grandparents and friends.  For the month of December I will be focusing on many of these items along with tutorials and/or links.  I hope you'll find something new and exciting and will join along with us for a Kids Handmade Holiday!

• freezer paper stenciled object such as a t-shirt, sweatshirt, apron, tea towel, tote bag, etc.
• homemade deodorant, soap, face scrub, etc.
• drink coasters made from fabric, felted wool, popsicle sticks, oil cloth, cork, weaving, etc.
• write and illustrate a story then bind it into a book
• blank book or journal
• candles: rolled up beeswax sheets, recycled old candles, soy candles, dipped candles, etc.
• several different exotic varieties of homemade ice cream
• pillowcases: make from scratch or buy them and add decoration with stenciling, fabric markers, fabric paint, embroidery or simple applique
• crochet washcloths or dishcloths; especially nice from organic cotton yarn
• a decorated walking stick
• set of magnets: marble magnets, artwork glued onto magnet sheets, button magnets or woodsie magnets
• homemade candy such as peanut brittle, rock candy, lollipops, etc.
• make or buy some simple tote bags and using stenciling, fabric paint or fabric markers label them for tech accessories, beauty supplies, craft supplies, etc.
• bean bags
• a game
• a compilation recipe book: collect recipes from family members and compile into a book/notebook
• terrarium
• wee garden
• crayon cookies
• homemade cookies or pie
• a weaving
• music mix cd
• recipe in a jar
• spice mix for grilling
• scarf: no sew fleece scarf, knit/crochet scarf, fabric scarf, etc.
• a decorated wood box
• felt play food
• wet felted wool balls
• felted soap
• stationery set
• stickers
• jewelry: earrings, necklace, bracelet
• clock: get a kit and get creative with the clock face
• a diorama
• a calendar: have artwork printed for each month
• anniversary calendar with special occasions already written in
• flowers: tissue paper flowers, button flowers, felt flowers, etc.
• doll or troll house made from a gourd, cardboard boxes, wood shelves, etc.
• garland
• simple pillow
• painted rocks to be used as paper weights, door stops, plant markers, etc.
• no-sew fleece blanket
• mobile
• hot sock: sock filled with rice to heat for cold winter nights
• desk accessories: pencil cup, drawer organizers, etc.
• bookmarks
• dress-up kit
• make a puzzle from wood blocks
• embroidered drawing framed in an embroidery hoop
• puppets
• puppet theater
• key chain
• sachets
• set of napkins
• handmade rubber stamps
• decorated picture frame
• ornaments
• bulletin board
• peg dolls
• doll house accessories
• stuffies

Comments

[Katrina]

been looking for a list like this! Thanks!

[Karen Mowrey]

This is an excellent list! I am looking for ideas to keep little ones busy with "elves" during a holiday open house and never thought to have them make presents. Look forward to seeing what else you have to offer and entertaining littles during a party might be a good topic even.

I keep you on my reader because I have a 5 year old and we are always up to something as well. We have some holiday tricks up our sleeves...I will be sure to share with you anything you might be able to use!

[Christi]

What an awesome list! Lots of great ideas we'll be using for sure.

[Vanessa]

I love love love your blog. This list is wonderful. I can't wait for December! Thank you!

[liz]

great list! thanks for the ideas!

[jodie]

I LOVE your blog and for months now have been hoping to come up with an idea to share with you that *might* be original! And today I hope I finally found one! It would make a great gift this year and it's practically free to create! Here is the link: http://jodified.typepad.com/a_mom_and_her_camera/2008/11/oh-friday-night.html

Thanks for keeping up this great blog, I love all the ideas!

[mayaluna]

I'm so grateful for all that you share!

[Kathy]

Thankyou for posting such a wonderful list. It's great to be reminded of creative things you can do for people, instead of another toy to add to tomorrows landfill. Keep up the good work!
(I also like to refer to the list on the little travellers website:
http://thelittletravelers.typepad.com/the_little_travelers/2008/06/birthday-gift-ideas.html)

[lindsey]

Thanks so much for posting this list! We are also doing hand made presents for my husband's family and these are some great ideas!

[lindsey]

Thanks so much for posting this list! We are also doing hand made presents for all of my husband's family and these are some great ideas!

[Clementine]

Thank you so much for this list! Our homeschool group was thinking of a present our kids could make for some seniors at a nearby nursing home. We're probably going to do the no-sew fleece scarf project. Plus, my 9 yo son and I would like to make some of the items on your list for our personal gift-giving list. Can't wait!

[Sam]

Wow! What a fantastic, HUGE list. Should keep us busy.
We're already busy making decorations, so time to add in the presents :-)

[Sweet Em]

What a great list. I have you bookmarked on bloglines and I love the tons and tons of darling ideas you post each day. Thanks!

[Chica Schmica]

What a great list! There are few things on here that I've planned on doing, but so many more that I never even thought of...awesome!

[jamie]

Oh, what a GREAT list!! We are also doing a handmade Christmas, how fun!! My oldest daughter has already made several presents and even wrapped them, which is more than I can say for myself! I'll be buying a lot on Etsy, yippee! She's making potholders and other items you can make with the little loom and of course we'll be making our own Christmas cards and tags, my fav :-)

Thanks for the great ideas, I'll keep an eye out for your tutorials so the whole family doesn't get potholders, hehe.

[Karen C.]

can't wait to see your projects.

[sara]

What a fabulous list. I'm trying to do a handmade holiday too, so these ideas are timely and fun!
Thanks,
Sara in Salt Lake (IbbySkibby.com)