As the holidays quickly approach, it can be nice to give a little gift to those special people that matter in your life outside the typical family and friends. Finding the perfect gift for teachers, coaches, neighbors, etc., can be a real challenge. Depending on the number of people you want to give a gift to, this can be an expensive task as well. To keep things reasonable, consider a homemade gift that the kids can help you make. By involving the kids in the creation of the gift, they will be extra excited to share something they’ve made with the people that matter to them.
1. Baking. Pick out your favorite holiday baking recipes, and spend an afternoon baking. Homemade baking is something that is fun and the recipient can enjoy it or set it out when company comes over. Kids love to help make cookies, too, so it is something that everyone can get involved in making. Decorated cookies are fun for kids as well because they can add their own personal touch to the baking. A fancy box and a beautiful ribbon dress up the gift.
2. Vanilla. Homemade vanilla is a fun project to do with the kids. They can get involved and it is truly original. Some bottles, vanilla beans and alcohol are all that is required to make your own vanilla. Kids have fun pouring the liquid (a funnel helps) into the containers with the beans. Add a ribbon and a little card with the date the vanilla is ready to use. Try and get on this in November, though, as vanilla takes at least a month or so until it is ready to use.
3. Soup in a jar. There are all sorts of recipes out there to create a beautiful layered jar of dry soup ingredients that can be turned into a simmering pot of delicious soup with only a couple more additions on the part of the recipient. Maybe try the recipe ahead of time to make sure it is something you love. Kids can help by adding the different ingredients to the jar. Print out the recipe and attach with a fancy ribbon.
4. A Christmas tree ornament. Pick up some ornaments and paints that the kids can decorate. It is something fun and unique to give. Alternatively, there are some neat craft ideas for making ornaments as well. A quick search online is sure to offer many ideas. Anything that transforms into a character with wiggly eyes is sure to be a hit with the kids. Make sure you have enough to make one for your own tree as well.
5. Homemade chocolates.This is another one that can be fun with the kids. Get a couple of fun chocolate molds and a few different colors of chocolate melts. The kids can paint on some of the unique colors and then the adults can help fill up the molds. This is another gift where a cute little box and a fancy ribbon go a long way.
The holidays are such a special time of year and a time when a small gift makes all the difference. Use the gift as a way to say ‘thank you’ and ‘we’re thinking of you.’ It is a nice time to include others as well. Teachers are an obvious choice, but it is also nice to do something special for the caretaker, the librarian or the administrative assistant. If you keep an eye out for sales, then it is easy to dress up the gifts without spending more than you want. It truly is the thought that counts, and these gestures ensure your children understand the importance of doing something special for others.
Sharon is an active mom with two young boys to keep her busy. She blogs about being active as a family at activekidsactivefamily.com and can be found on Twitter and Instagram @911shazza.
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