by Pamela Kay

Created on: November 26, 2008

Time spent anticipating and preparing for Christmas is a big part of the holidays and it doesn't have to cost a lot. Here are some easy and cheap Christmas gifts to make with your kids that will add to your fun.

SOCK FOOT WARMERS

No gift is easier or cheaper to make than sock foot warmers! Simply take one cotton sock, fill with three cups of rice, tie the top in a knot and that's it! Tie a tag to the sock with a ribbon and these instructions for using: Heat in the microwave for a few minutes and place in the bed at your feet.

FLOWERPOTS

Using a basic terra cotta flowerpot, decoupage or paint the outside. You can also paint your child's hands and let them make a hand print on the pot. Once it is decorated, seal it, fill with soil and plant a few bulbs such as paper whites.

Cut a piece of saran wrap large enough to cover the top and reach well down the sides of the pot. Tie a piece of ribbon just below the rim to hold in place. Add a bow and a tag with instructions.

FESTIVE BEAD NAPKIN RINGS

Quick, easy and inexpensive napkin rings help to dress-up the table at Christmas. Create them in sets or let each one serve as a place card by attaching a tag ready for the name to be filled in.

Tinsel pipe cleaners

Metallic pony beads

Thread about twenty-five pony beads onto each pipe cleaner and twist the pipe cleaner several times. Wrap the tails of the pipe cleaner around a pencil to create spirals.

ORANGE AIR FRESHENERS

Use a toothpick to punch holes in an orange to make a design. Then insert the stem of whole cloves into each hole. Place on a piece of newspaper to dry for a few days and wrap up a wonderful gift of scent.

CHOCOLATE SPOONS

For those on your list that drink hot tea and coffee, a chocolate spoon would make a great gift. Just dip the bowls of plastic spoons in melted chocolate a few times and allow to dry. If you want to get really fancy, drizzle some white chocolate back and forth across the dark chocolate. Cover with a piece of saran wrap and tie a pretty bow with a gift tag just at the bowl of the spoon.

NO-SEW SACHETS

Use a fancy fabric or plain cotton to create these lovely, easy to make, no-sew sachets. They can be decorated with lace and braid or left plain and stacked together and tied with a ribbon. For each sachet, you will need:

2 five-inch fabric squares

hot glue

1/2 cup potpourri

Ribbon and trim

*Put hot glue close to the edge on three sides of one square.

*Place the other square on top of this. Allow to cool.

*Fill with the potpourri and glue the fourth side shut.

*Glue lace or braid around the edges.

*Stack several together and tie on a Christmas bow with a gift tag attached.

BOOKMARKS

Bookmarks are fun and easy to make and almost everyone needs them. Use card stock and glue on clip art, drawings or text. You can also decoupage photos and artwork you clip from magazines.

TREE ORNAMENTS

For any newly weds on your list, create unique Christmas tree ornaments from old Christmas cards or photos and used lids from canning jars. You can also use lids from other jars of various sizes. Here's what you'll need and the directions.

Used lid from a canning jar

Christmas cards or photos

Braid, lace or trim

*Center the lid on the portion of the card or photo you wish to use and trace around it.

*Cut out the circled picture and glue it to the lid.

*Decorate the backside of the lid with felt, wrapping paper, another picture or glitter.

*You can also spray paint the lid and allow it to dry before decorating it.

*Hot glue a hanger at the top and lace or trim around the edge.

There are thousands of easy and cheap Christmas gifts to make with your kids. Feel free to use one of these ideas or let them spark your imagination and come up with your own unique homemade gifts.

Sources

familyfun.com

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