Homemade Gifts for Children Suite101.com

Jennifer Wagaman - Jennifer is a mother of 2 and has both public, private and administrative experience in the education field.

Make a Button Snake - Jennifer Wagaman

Homemade gifts do not mean cheap or poorly made. In fact, some homemade gifts can be just as well made as store bought, and provide just as many hours of enjoyment without the extra cost.

Button Snake

A button snake is a great toy and learning tool for a toddler. You will need one large button, a long piece of ribbon and several felt squares. Simply sew the button onto the ribbon and cut button holes in the squares of felt. Now your toddler can practice buttoning and unbuttoning. To keep the felt from all falling off the end of the snake, simply tie the ribbon onto the first piece of felt.

Sock Snakes

For the baby on your list, consider making a sock snake. This is especially nice if you have a stray sock whose lost its mate. sew a bit of felt on for eyes and a forked tongue and stuff with your choice of stuffing (reclaim stuffing from an old stuffed animal or purchase new from a craft store). Be sure that you sew the eyes and tongue on well to prevent them from falling off and being swallowed by baby and ensure the end is sewed shut tightly so that the stuffing won't find it's way out.

Texture Cards

Another great one for a baby - cut card stock into whatever size you wish and laminate for durability. Then adhere a variety of textures onto the cards for exploration. Some ideas include puffy stickers, buttons, sand paper, pieces of duct tape, pieces of felt and other fabrics. Walk around your house and see what you can find that would create an interesting texture for baby.

I Spy Bag

Great for toddlers, the I spy bag can keep kids entertained on long car rides. Simply purchase one of those soft pencil cases that zips shut and sew around the edges leaving a hole to insert items. Fill with rice and any small trinkets you can find that will fit easily and sew the hole closed. Using pinking sheers, you can cut around the edges to create a more finished look.

Homemade Wooden Blocks

A great way to encourage creativity , homemade wooden blocks are sure to thrill the children on your gift list. Simply collect a variety of wood pieces from your yard or neighborhood and cut to various sizes and shapes. Let the natural shape of the wood guide you. Then sand down all the rough edges and you are set!

Homemade Geoboard

For toddlers who need to practice fine motor skills, a homemade geoboard can be lots of fun. If you have a piece of scrap wood laying around, cut it to the size you want and sand the edges down, otherwise simply buy a cheap wooden plaque that is already finished. Paint it if you want to, then use graph paper to mark where all the push pins should be placed. You will want to hammer the push pins into the wood so that they are firmly in place, then use hair bands or random rubber bands, whatever you have around the house to create shapes.

Homemade gifts are great for your kids and many can be made with the things you already have around your house, so you can make them without spending a lot of money.