Creating Christmas gifts with your children is more than just crafting; it’s about cherishing the thought and effort poured into each handmade present. There’s an undeniable charm in receiving a gift knowing it was lovingly made by little hands. As early childhood educators or parents, navigating the world of kid-made gifts can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope. We want the presents to be truly child-led, yet also appreciated by the recipients. It’s about finding that sweet spot of balance, understanding the children’s capabilities, and knowing your families well.
Alt text: A collection of beautifully wrapped handmade Christmas gifts for family, showcasing the joy of giving.
To ensure a smooth and joyful gift-making experience for young children, I’ve developed 5 simple guidelines. These help in planning projects that are engaging, age-appropriate, and result in gifts that family members will genuinely treasure.
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Is it enjoyable and age-appropriate for the children? The first question I always ask myself is, “Will the children actually enjoy making this?” It’s crucial to consider whether the project will be fun and engaging or potentially frustrating for them. Think about age appropriateness – are your expectations aligned with their developmental stage?
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Is it manageable for a group setting with diverse needs? For educators working with large groups of children attending on different days and with varied family cultures, complexity is a key consideration. “Is this craft too intricate or stressful to manage with a diverse group?” Projects should be adaptable to different skill levels and time constraints.
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Will the recipient appreciate it as a gift from the child? Consider the gift from the receiver’s perspective. “Will the child’s family member genuinely like to receive this gift?” The personal touch is paramount. The gift should clearly be from the child, carrying a unique and personal element that resonates with the family.
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Can we incorporate recycling or upcycling? Whenever possible, aim to weave in eco-conscious practices. “Can we recycle, upcycle, or reuse materials in this project?” This teaches children about sustainability while adding a creative challenge to the gift-making process.
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Embrace child-led creativity and flexibility. Be open to deviations from your plan and encourage children’s individual expression. “Can I allow children to take the idea in their own direction?” Sometimes, the most precious gifts are born from unexpected creativity. A child’s unique interpretation, even if it’s a “blob of red clay in a jar,” is a testament to their self-expression and problem-solving skills. Perfection is not the goal; the joy of creation is.
Finding fresh ideas for handmade presents can be challenging. To spark your imagination, I’ve compiled a collection of inspiring Family Christmas Gift Ideas from the Empowered Educator Facebook Community and across the web.
These ideas cater to various age groups, from simple activities for toddlers to more involved projects for older children. Many can be adapted for multi-age groups in vacation care or camp settings.
You’ll find ideas involving handprints and footprints. While I understand this can be a sensitive topic, I believe that when approached respectfully and without pressure, these can be beautiful keepsakes. The key is to always prioritize the child’s comfort and enjoyment. Remember, the process of creating is always more valuable than the perfect end product.
Let’s explore these ideas and get inspired for Christmas gift making with children this year! Click the links for detailed instructions and material lists.
Save money and help children to create a special handmade Christmas present for family and friends with this collection of project and activity ideas!
Alt text: Pine cone Christmas trees crafted by children, a rustic and nature-inspired family gift idea.
Empowered Ed member Danielle created these charming Christmas trees from pinecones. Turn it into a fun activity by going on a pinecone hunt! The small pots are budget-friendly, or you could ask families for donations.
Save money and help children to create a special handmade Christmas present for family and friends with this collection of project and activity ideas!
Save money and help children to create a special handmade Christmas present for family and friends with this collection of project and activity ideas!
Emma from our Facebook group made these adorable ‘Mistletoes’ pictures using footprint art, pairing them with other Christmas crafts. These footprint mistletoes are inexpensive yet precious gifts that parents and grandparents will cherish for years.
Save money and help children to create a special handmade Christmas present for family and friends with this collection of project and activity ideas!
Alt text: Santa-themed painted flower pots, a practical and festive Christmas gift idea for families, linking to tutorial.
These Santa flower pots are a delightful Christmas gift idea that incorporates gardening fun. They’re budget-friendly and easy to create with children.
Save money and help children to create a special handmade Christmas present for family and friends with this collection of project and activity ideas!
If you have old CDs, Fiona from Empowered Ed suggests recycling them into Christmas ornaments. Children can decorate them in countless ways for unique, eco-friendly gifts.
Save money and help children to create a special handmade Christmas present for family and friends with this collection of project and activity ideas!
Save money and help children to create a special handmade Christmas present for family and friends with this collection of project and activity ideas!
Fiona also shared this fine motor activity: Christmas trees made from craft sticks and buttons. These adorable trees become cherished ornaments hanging on the family tree year after year.
Save money and help children to create a special handmade Christmas present for family and friends with this collection of project and activity ideas!
Alt text: Christmas bells made from recycled plastic bottles, an upcycled and fun Christmas gift project for kids, linking to tutorial.
These Christmas bells crafted from recycled plastic bottles are fun to make and an excellent upcycled gift. Find out how to make them HERE.
Save money and help children to create a special handmade Christmas present for family and friends with this collection of project and activity ideas!
Save money and help children to create a special handmade Christmas present for family and friends with this collection of project and activity ideas!
Kim, an educator from our Facebook group, created these snowmen using simple sewing techniques. This project is perfect for older children in holiday programs.
Save money and help children to create a special handmade Christmas present for family and friends with this collection of project and activity ideas!
Save money and help children to create a special handmade Christmas present for family and friends with this collection of project and activity ideas!
Alt text: Salt dough Christmas ornaments made by children, a classic and budget-friendly family gift idea, linking to recipe.
Salt dough ornaments are always a hit – budget-friendly and fun for children to create. Find my easy salt dough recipe HERE.
Save money and help children to create a special handmade Christmas present for family and friends with this collection of project and activity ideas!
Fiona demonstrates how to turn plaster Christmas trees into magnets – so easy! Adding magnet strips transforms them into practical and charming gifts. Salt dough works wonderfully for this too.
Save money and help children to create a special handmade Christmas present for family and friends with this collection of project and activity ideas!
Alt text: Nature-inspired clay ornaments, beautiful and nature-connected Christmas gifts children can make for families, linking to tutorial.
My nature clay ornaments are a beautiful and adaptable gift idea for various ages. My homemade white ‘clay’ recipe is simple and cost-effective!
Save money and help children to create a special handmade Christmas present for family and friends with this collection of project and activity ideas!
reusable bag gift ideas using children
Reusable bags adorned with children’s paintings, shared by Fiona from our Empowered Ed group, make incredibly special and useful family gifts.
Save money and help children to create a special handmade Christmas present for family and friends with this collection of project and activity ideas!
Save money and help children to create a special handmade Christmas present for family and friends with this collection of project and activity ideas!
Save money and help children to create a special handmade Christmas present for family and friends with this collection of project and activity ideas!
Save money and help children to create a special handmade Christmas present for family and friends with this collection of project and activity ideas!
Did any of these ideas spark your creativity for Christmas present making?
Remember to revisit the 5 simple guidelines we discussed. They’re designed to ensure the gift-making process is enjoyable and stress-free for both you and the children. It’s about the journey of creation, not just the destination!
Looking for more inspiration and a supportive community? Join our Empowered Educator Facebook group and connect with over 15,000 early years educators. Click the image below to join!
Meet the Author
Jodie Clarke
Jodie Clarke is a passionate early childhood professional dedicated to supporting educators. With 30 years of hands-on experience across diverse roles in early childhood and human services, Jodie offers practical guidance and inspiration.
As a mother of three in Australia, Jodie understands the realities of balancing work and family. Through her popular blog, activity ideas, online training, and e-books, she has empowered thousands of educators to thrive in their careers.
