Receiving a gift crafted by a child’s own hands carries a unique charm. It’s a testament to their time, effort, and heartfelt thought, making it truly special. For early childhood educators, however, the season of handmade presents can sometimes feel like navigating a tightrope. The concern about whether gifts are genuinely child-made or educator-led can cast a shadow. Yet, like many aspects of early learning, finding the right approach lies in balance, common sense, and a deep understanding of the children and families in your care.
A festive banner announcing Christmas gifts, perfect for handmade present inspiration.
To ensure gift-making projects are joyful and enriching experiences for young children, I rely on 5 simple guidelines. These help me plan activities that are not only age-appropriate and enjoyable for the children but also result in Xmas Gifts that families will truly cherish.
5 Golden Guidelines for Kid-Made Xmas Gifts
Before diving into any Christmas craft project, I always pause to consider these questions:
- Will the children genuinely enjoy this? Is the project engaging and age-appropriate, or will it lead to frustration? It’s essential to choose activities that match their developmental stage and abilities, fostering a sense of accomplishment rather than struggle.
- Is it manageable for a group setting? Considering the diverse schedules and family backgrounds of children in care, is this craft feasible for a larger group? The project should be adaptable and inclusive, accommodating various skill levels and cultural contexts.
- Will families appreciate this gift? Will the recipients recognize the personal touch and effort from their child? The xmas gift should be meaningful and treasured by the family, reflecting the child’s unique contribution.
- Can we incorporate recycling or upcycling? Is there an opportunity to teach children about sustainability by using recycled materials? Integrating eco-friendly practices adds an extra layer of value and learning to the gift-making process.
- Am I open to child-led creativity? Can I allow children to explore their own ideas and deviate from the plan? Embracing their unique expressions, even if it means a departure from the intended outcome, is crucial. The true magic lies in witnessing their creativity and problem-solving flourish, even if it results in a wonderfully unique “blob of red clay in a jar”!
It can be challenging to constantly brainstorm fresh xmas gift ideas that children can create. That’s why I’ve compiled a treasure trove of inspiration, drawing from the creativity of the Empowered Educator Facebook Community and other fantastic sources from across the web.
This collection features diverse ideas suitable for various age groups. Whether you’re working with toddlers, preschoolers, or school-aged children, you’ll find projects that fit perfectly. Many of these ideas can also be easily adapted for multi-age environments.
You’ll discover simple, hands-on activities ideal for toddlers (requiring minimal adult assistance), projects with easy-to-follow steps for 3-5 year olds (while still challenging their developing skills), and more intricate projects for older children, perfect for holiday programs or vacation care.
While some ideas involve handprints, footprints, or finger painting, I understand this can be a sensitive topic for some educators. If hand/footprint crafts aren’t your preference, simply scroll past those suggestions. However, I believe that when approached respectfully, honoring a child’s comfort and autonomy, these crafts can be lovely occasional activities. The key is to prioritize the process of creation over the perfect end product, maintaining balance and focusing on the overall learning experience.
Ready to explore a wealth of xmas gift ideas to inspire your little creators this year? Let’s dive into these projects and spark your imagination! Click the links below the image collages to discover detailed instructions and material lists for each idea.
Collage of various xmas gift ideas for children to make, promoting budget-friendly and handmade presents.
Pine cone Christmas trees crafted by children, a budget-friendly and nature-inspired xmas gift idea.
Danielle, an educator from our Empowered Ed community, created these charming Christmas trees from pinecones with her children. Turn it into an adventure by organizing a pinecone hunt! Small pots can be sourced affordably, or you could even request donations from parents.
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, another talented educator from our Facebook group, made these adorable ‘Mistletoes’ pictures using footprint art alongside other Christmas crafts. Imagine how much parents and grandparents will treasure these keepsakes for years to come! They are also a wonderfully inexpensive xmas gift option.
Save money and help children to create a special handmade Christmas present for family and friends with this collection of project and activity ideas!
Santa-themed flower pots, a gardening-inspired xmas gift idea for children to create.
These Santa flower pots are an incredibly cute xmas gift idea and a fantastic opportunity to incorporate a bit of gardening fun. I created these with children even when working with a tight budget!
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 still have CDs lying around (or families might have some to donate), recycling them into Christmas ornaments is a brilliant idea from Empowered Ed member and educator Fiona. Let the children’s creativity shine as they decorate them!
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 simple fine motor activity: using craft sticks and buttons to make these charming Christmas trees. These would look beautiful hanging on the Christmas 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!
Christmas bells made from recycled plastic bottles, an upcycled and musical xmas gift idea.
These Christmas bells, crafted from old plastic bottles, are not only fun to make but also a fantastic upcycled xmas gift! See how I made 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!
Educator Kim from our Facebook group created these adorable snowmen using simple sewing techniques. This would be an excellent holiday program activity for older 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!
Save money and help children to create a special handmade Christmas present for family and friends with this collection of project and activity ideas!
Salt dough ornaments, a classic and budget-friendly xmas gift idea children love to make.
Salt dough is always a winning choice for easy, budget-friendly xmas gifts that children thoroughly enjoy making. You can find my simple 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!
How incredibly easy is this? Fiona demonstrates how to transform plaster Christmas trees into magnets – a perfect xmas gift by simply adding magnet strips to the back. You could also adapt this idea using salt dough.
Save money and help children to create a special handmade Christmas present for family and friends with this collection of project and activity ideas!
Nature clay ornaments, a beautiful and nature-inspired xmas gift idea using clay and natural elements.
My nature clay ornaments are a truly beautiful xmas gift idea and easily adaptable for different age groups. I especially love using my white ‘clay’ recipe – it’s so simple to make, no need to purchase clay!
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
What a thoughtful xmas gift idea! These reusable bags featuring children’s paintings come from Fiona in our Empowered Ed group. A gift that’s both practical and sentimental.
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 you discover an xmas gift idea or two that you’re excited to try for Christmas or another special occasion?
Remember to revisit and reflect on the 5 simple guidelines I shared at the beginning of this article. These will help ensure the gift-making process remains fun and stress-free for both you and the children as they create their special xmas gifts.
Looking for even more ideas and inspiration, and a supportive community? Join our Empowered Educator Facebook group and connect with over 15,000 fellow early years educators! Click on the image below to become a part of our community.
join empowered educator facebook group
About Jodie Clarke – Your Empowered Educator
Jodie Clarke
Jodie Clarke is a dedicated early childhood professional committed to supporting educators in staying passionate and inspired in their vital work. With 30 years of hands-on experience across diverse roles within the early childhood and human services sectors, Jodie brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights.
As a mum to 3 in Australia, Jodie understands the joys and challenges of both education and parenting. Through her popular blog posts, activity ideas, online training, and e-books, she has already empowered thousands of educators to thrive in their careers.
