GIFTS FROM THE HAND OF A CHILD

Your holiday dilemma is solved!  Here are inexpensive, simple, and easy gifts your students can make.  You’ll save money as you nurture the true spirit of giving in children.  Best of all, these projects will be treasured because they are one of a kind!  They are made by the gifted hand of a child!

It’s important to be sensitive to different beliefs children may have this time of year.  Gifts don’t have to be for Christmas or Hanukkah ~ you can give someone a gift anytime just because you care about them! 

Hint!  Make sure that children DO these projects themselves!  They need to reflect the children’s individuality and efforts. 

PENCIL CAN

Materials:         juice or vegetable can, glue, pasta, spray paint

Directions:         Remove the label from the can.  Let children glue pasta (bow ties, spirals, macaroni, etc.) around the can.  Spray paint gold or silver.

Adaptation:  Children can also cover a can with construction paper.  Next, let them create a collage on the can with pictures and words cut from magazines.

KEY RACK

Materials:         wood scraps (4” x 10”), nails, markers, picture hangers

Directions:         Let children decorate the wood with markers.  Next, let them hammer 4 nails spaced evenly apart.  Attach a hanger to the back.

Adaptation:  Children could also paint wood scraps.

SCARF HOLDER
This is similar to the key rack except children attach plastic hooks to hold scarves, belts, and ties.

COUPON BOOK

Materials:         paper, markers, pens, construction paper, ribbon

Directions:         Each child will need 3 sheets of paper.  Cut the paper into fourths to make 12 pages.  On each page, children write (or dictate) a different job they could do for their parents, such as set the table, give a back rub, clean their room, etc.  Make a cover from construction paper.  Hole punch in the upper left hand corner and tie with a ribbon.

         

PET ROCKS

Materials:      rocks, yarn, glue, markers, felt, wiggly eyes

Directions:         Go on a rock hunt and let each child find a special rock.  Have children wash their rocks and set them aside to dry.  Decorate the rocks with wiggly eyes, markers, yarn hair, etc.  Add a piece of felt to the bottom to make a paper weight.

Adaptation:         Let children name their rocks and write stories about how to care for them.

NAPKIN RINGS

Directions:  Cut the cardboard roll into 1 ½” sections.  Decorate with stickers, yarn, fabric, lace, etc. 

Adaptation:  Insert holiday napkins.