Holiday Season with Kids Making Homemade Gifts

The holiday season is a wonderful time for kids to get creative and make heartfelt gifts for family and friends. Handmade presents allow kids to express their personalities and give something truly unique. Here are a few simple gift ideas kids can make themselves, with some guidance for extra help.

1. Homemade Hot Chocolate Jars

Layering ingredients for hot chocolate in a jar creates a beautiful, practical gift that’s easy for kids to assemble. Fill a small mason jar with layers of cocoa powder, sugar, chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows. Add a ribbon and a label with instructions, and you have a cozy, homemade gift. Kids can add a personal touch by decorating the jar or writing a little note. For more ideas on jar gifts, websites like The Spruce Crafts offer simple recipes and layering tips.

PS You can also make herbal tea jars!

2. DIY Salt Dough Ornaments

Salt dough ornaments are classic holiday gifts that kids can customize with paint, glitter, or even stamps. Mix together 1 cup of flour, ½ cup of salt, and about ½ cup of water to form the dough, roll it out, and use cookie cutters to make festive shapes. Once they dry, kids can paint and decorate the ornaments. These make great keepsakes for family members to hang on their trees year after year. Crayola offers creative ideas for decorating salt dough ornaments.

3. Hand-Painted Picture Frames

Plain wooden or plastic picture frames are inexpensive and easy for kids to transform with paint, stickers, and embellishments. Kids can paint frames in holiday colors, add some sparkle, or write messages like “Happy Holidays” or “Family.” Slip in a favorite photo, and you’ve got a meaningful gift that family members will love. Stores like Michaels or Benjamin Franklin have frames and all the craft supplies you’ll need.

4. No-Sew Fleece Scarves

Fleece scarves are warm, cozy, and require no sewing skills! Simply cut strips of fleece and add fringe to the edges by cutting small slits. Kids can personalize scarves by choosing patterns and colors for each recipient. For step-by-step guidance, Kids Activities Blog provides tutorials on making these simple gifts.

These homemade gifts are easy to make, affordable, and filled with holiday spirit. Plus, kids will feel proud of the unique gifts they’ve created, spreading joy to family and friends all season long!

xx

dr. heather