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Kid Creations...Take 3
Thursday, December 09, 2010 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
No pressure. Are you worrying about what your little one will get for the special folks in their life this holiday season?
No, not what YOU will get those folks. What YOUR munchkin will create for them.
No need to press the panic button. Here are a few developmentally appropriate (meaning your kiddo CAN do this and - bonus - there's benefits for their development too!) holiday making ideas:
*Little painted fingers and toes are always a homerun when it comes to creating a memorable gift. Remember to use non-toxic, washable paints. Canvas boards come in all sizes and shapes. Put your little one to work and have them a create one-of-a kind piece of artwork. Don't forget to capture your artist in process!
*There's always ornaments.
*This year, I've discovered clay. The real stuff is the best (vs. a self-hardening clay you may find at a local craft shop). I recently worked with a ceramics instructor to make some wonderful holiday ornaments and adorable snowpeople (well, they "kinda" looked like snowpeople
). The best part about my experience is that it was my child's work. Smushing clay, then poking it with a variety of items to create textures, and then finally using cookie cutters to produce some simple creations (okay, I helped with the cookie cutter pressing part). Once we finished with this part, the clay was fired in a kiln. We then returned approximately a week later to glaze (fancy word for using a special type of paint). Then, they were fired again. Ta-da! They are done and very cool. If you live in an area accessible to an art studio/school, you may find classes for families with young children. Note: In order for children to safely handle clay, they MUST not put their fingers (with clay dust) in their mouth.
*Notecards. This is one of my favorites. Use large (i.e. 5 x 8), blank index cards. Fold into a notecard. Paint (marble painting was my kiddo's favorite method). Let dry. Gather 3-5 cards together and tie with a ribbon. Jazz up your creations with a customized label printed on the back of each card. For instance, your label may say "Created with Love - Ella, Age 2." They are sure to be notecards the grandparents will want to use!
*If you're little one is, well, just too little for any of the above, consider *helping them* create a photo album or calendar which celebrates the special people and moments in their life.
Please pass along any other holiday gift-giving ideas!
Happy creating!
