Do you want to instill the tradition of hand made gifts? Here are a few ideas that even the youngest children can help create (and friends and family won't mind receiving.)

If your child is a burgeoning artist, take some of their finer works and frame them. Small framed works make lovely ornaments. Larger works can be posters for walls. Include an "artist's statement" along with the work with biographical information and a few words from the artist about their work. Use less important works of art (with the artist's permission) as wrapping paper.

Do you do any crafts yourself? Collaborate with your child. Do a needlepoint or knitting chart taken from a favorite drawing or painting. Make a cell phone case, i-pod sock, coin purse, bag or pillow.

Ornaments and consumables are also great ideas for projects you can do together. Following are recipes for easy to make gifts that you can make with your children.

Cinnamon ornaments:
Mix 1/2 cup cinnamon with 1/2 cup applesauce to form a workable dough.
Roll dough to 1/8 inch thick.
Use cookie cutter to make shapes - put holes at top for ribbon hangers.
Allow shapes to air dry until hard.
Attach ribbon through holes at top.

Glycerin Soap
Craft stores such as Michaels carry soap that can be melted and poured into molds. Kids can choose what shape, color and scent of soap to make for people. A great consumable present.

Low-fat Truffles
1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted and cooled)
2 oz neufchatel cheese
2 cups powdered sugar
Unsweetened cocoa
Mix all ingredients together to form a smooth dough. Form into 12 inch log. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate several hours or overnight. Form into 1/2 inch balls and roll in cocoa. Keep refrigerated until ready to eat.

Hot Chocolate Mix
3 1/3 cup Nestle's Quick
1 3/4 cup nondairy creamer
10 2/3 cup instant milk
1/2 cup powdered sugar

Learn more about this author, Kiara Buchanan.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Great crafts gift ideas for your children?
We want to hear your view. Write now!