My kids use all of my tape–all of it. I never know when it’s happening, but when they emerge from their secret corners of the house to gift me their creations (some made entirely of tape and some just encapsulated in it), I can’t help but recognize the hopeful and loving looks on their faces. These tokens represent their time, heart and soul, and all they want to do is give them to someone they love. It doesn’t really matter what I’ll do with my wad of pipe cleaners, pony beads, wet glue and masking tape because these scenarios are a prime example of the age-old sentiment that we all tout: it’s the thought that counts.
What better time of year to harness your kids’ desires to gift on their very own or create in
sheer acts of love than the holidays? Now, I know that coordinating extra projects and shopping can be daunting with all of the time that we’ll already spend handling regular responsibilities, shopping, meal planning, cleaning for parties or relatives, or preparing for a trip over the river and through the woods. But with a little planning, kid giving
can let them express themselves and their affections, thrill dear ones, keep them busy, and reflect the kind of generosity of spirit that we all cherish this time of year.

If you are making presents, the trick is to choose one or two attainable projects. And perhaps crafting at home just isn’t your thing; there are other options! You can make use of all of the artwork that they bring home from school or there are a number of local businesses where you can craft with your kids on-site. Plus, there are plenty of fun holiday bazaars where your purchases will support resident artists and you can still wrap up plenty of handmade goodness. I’ve got some ideas on all fronts to get you going.

Do-it-yourself

There are so many tutorials for seasonal projects on the internet. My personal favorite website for collecting ideas is Pinterest; love it or hate it, there is a lot to choose from in the way of crafts. Only you can gauge what is suitable for your child’s abilities (or what you’re largely willing to do on their behalf ), but stay urgent care free by exercising caution when children work with cutting implements, heat sources, or glue. Here are a few kid approved
projects you might consider:

TOTS:

• Salt dough hand or footprints
• Popsicle stick framed photo ornaments
• Framed original artwork
• Leaf pressings
• Handmade paper or felt flowers
• Perler keychains
• Succulents potted in tin containers
• Bookmarks
• Mini-painting magnets

KIDS:

• Woven pot holders
• Essential oil bath salts
• Cookies in a jar
• Wreaths
• Painted pottery
• Loom keychains
• Friendship bracelets
• Decoupaged boxes
• Decorated wall initials
• Painted rocks for gardens
• Finger knitting
• Trinket-topped storage jars

TWEENS/TEENS:

• Knit or crocheted scarves or dishrags
• Funky cross-stitch samplers
• Scrap leather bracelets
• Homemade soaps or lip gloss
• Beaded jewelry
• Framed original photographs
• Homemade stamp block prints
• Fabric garlands
• Accent pillows
• Microwavable heat packs
• Hand-dipped candles

Make the Mess Somewhere Else

Local big-box craft stores and Portland Parks and Rec offer classes for children in seasonal
crafts. Check out their calendar of events and sign up! Pottery painting is a lot of fun; we’ve loved all the projects we’ve completed over the years at Mimosa Studios. Art a la Carte
puts supplies at your kids’ fingertips and keeps the mess out of your house. I put a call
out to my friends on social media and found a couple that were hosting holiday craft-making
for kiddos in their homes! Staffers and friends also recommend My Masterpiece Art Studio,
Spark Arts Center, The 100th Monkey Studio, and The Craft Factory.

Buy From the Heart

Allowing children to select and purchase gifts on their own can be fun. Make a list of loved
ones, set a budget, and choose a couple of locations to shop so that you aren’t running
around town like crazy. Consider visiting one of the local seasonal craft fairs; we’ve rounded
up a list for you! See page 31. Regardless of the route you choose to go, let your littles go crazy with the gift wrapping; my instincts say they’re great with tape!