With the holidays fast approaching, many families are scrambling to find those last-minute gifts. But if you have a toddler, preschooler, or young child at home, you have all you need to create a beautiful, heartfelt, handmade gift!
Nothing shows you care more than a thoughtful homemade gift – and there are no gifts more treasured than those made by children! A customized gift from your very special artist will truly hit the mark with their loved one.
Before you begin, talk about what family, neighbors, and friends mean to your family, and how appreciative you are for the love given by the special people in your lives. Discussions like this help children appreciate how it feels to be loved, and to show love and gratitude for others.
Introducing new words – like generosity, thoughtfulness, and gratitude – expands both vocabulary and comprehension. Appreciation is bigger than simply offering gifts, and these can help children form a richer understanding of heartfelt giving.
Handmade Gift Ideas for Young Children
Here are a few homemade holiday gift ideas to get you started.
- Print a black and white photo of your child on copy paper or cardstock. Ask your child to add color to their photo with sequence, watercolors, or colored pencils. Have your child write “I love you” on the bottom. Then place it in a magnetic frame or send it in the mail. This colorful portrait will bring a smile to a loved one’s face!
- Ask your child to draw a picture of their loved ones. The recipients will enjoy seeing their unique characteristics portrayed by one of their favorite artists. Use a mini canvas from a craft store or dollar store, or put the drawing in an inexpensive frame.
- For the avid reader, ask your child to create a bookmark to share. You can make it out of cardboard, fabric, cardstock, or any sturdy material. Ask your child to create a beautiful picture for their loved one to enjoy, making sure to include their name.
- For loved ones far away, take a picture of your child spreading their arms out wide. Then help your child gather sticks, popsicle sticks, or cardboard and collage items, and create a beautiful handmade frame for your photo. Finally, put it in the mail with a note saying,
“I am going to hug you SO tight when I see you.” - Buy an unfinished wooden frame from a craft store, let your child paint it and fill it with a photo or a work of art.
The Magic is in the Details!
Thoughtful gifters pay attention to detail, with careful consideration for the wrapping and beauty of packages. Let your child be part of these important details!
- Ask your child to use their own writing on gifts when possible. Children’s handwriting adds so much charm and adds personality to their piece. Your loved ones will be able to see the extra time and effort put into this gift by your child.
- Handmade wrapping paper is always a nice touch! Offer your child a marker and some old newspaper or a roll of brown craft paper. Let them draw pictures, designs, or simply write kind words on the paper. Then, wrap the item you wish to share with their unique, hand-designed wrapping paper.
- Before delivering your gift, see if you and your child can collect something beautiful from nature to make it extra special! Pine sprigs, pinecones, small sticks, pressed leaves, and even feathers are often seen as absolute treasures to children. These will not only add beauty to your package, but give your child joy in sharing their beautiful finds. We hope these ideas provide you with some gift-giving inspiration. What better way to enjoy the season than by helping our children show appreciation and joy for the people they love!
About Kinderberry Hill
Kinderberry Hill Child Development Center is a Reggio Emilia-inspired early learning program offering care and education for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and pre-kindergarten children. We offer child-led curriculum, year-round outdoor classrooms, and a low student to teacher ratio, ensuring that your child will have the very best start. All Kinderberry Hill childcare centers are now enrolling, with full- and part-time scheduling available for all age groups. Schedule a tour today!
