Gifts are a delight for toddlers. They do not just love receiving them but they also want to make them. Having your toddler make presents will emphasize the fact that time, kindness and effort are just as precious as store-bought presents. Here are some suggestions for gifts kids can make with a little help from their parents.
Alphabet Crayons
What You Will Need
- Small, broken or old crayons with the wrappers removed
- Letter molds
- Baking sheet
Directions
- Set the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes. Preheating the oven makes the crayons dissolve faster and more evenly.
- Break each crayon into tiny pieces and fit them into the letter molds. You can either pile them according to color or mix the crayons together.
- Place the molds into the baking sheet and then put the sheet into the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the crayons are fully melted.
- Take the baking sheet out of the oven and let it cool for a minute or two. Turn the letter mold upside down to pop them out. Be careful not to break them.
- Wrap them along with a cute notebook in a clear plastic wrapper and tie it up with a ribbon.
Homemade Cards
What You Will Need
- Blank pieces of paper (can be bond paper, art paper or construction paper)
- Art Materials (crayons, markers, paint, sponges, buttons, yarns, etc.)
- Pen
- Scissors
Directions
- Fold the paper in half horizontally. Trim the edges with scissors until paper is of the same size.
- Let your toddler decorate it with whatever he wants.
- Ask your toddler to write a thoughtful message.
Picture Frames
What You Will Need
- A picture of the person who will receive the gift
- Plain wooden picture frame
- Acrylic paint
- Acrylic varnish
- Paint brush
- Foam letters
- Glue
Directions
- Pick a color that complements the photo and the design.
- Paint the picture frame with a base coat of white so the color will stand out better.
- Let it dry and then coat with acrylic varnish.
- Once dry, glue foam letters to the frame.
- Set aside to dry again and then insert the photo.
Ink Blot T-shirt
What You Will Need
- Plan t-shirt
- Fabric paint
- Poster board or cardboard
- Scissors
Directions
- Put the t-shirt over the poster board or cardboard.
- Make a line down the left side of the shirt on the board to create your cutting line.
- If the board is too big, cut it to make sure it is the same size with the shirt.
- Take the board out of the shirt and fold it in half, lengthwise. Put the board back in the shirt.
- Let your toddler paint whatever he likes. Your toddler does not have to follow a pattern.
- Once done, fold the shirt in half and then carefully open it.
- Let it dry (only take out the board once the shirt is dry).
Marshmallow Swizzle
What You Will Need
- 200g marshmallows
- 4oz chocolate milk
- Chocolate strands
- Sprinkles
Directions
- Mash the chocolate into pieces. Place them in a bowl over a pan of boiling water and leave until melted.
- Dip marshmallows into melted chocolate to coat. Shake off any excess chocolate.
- Dust marshmallows with chocolate strand and sprinkles to cover marshmallows completely.
- Put them in the fridge for 30 minutes to set.
- Wrap them in a small decorative jar.
Letting your toddler make his own gifts is not only fun. It can help boost your toddler’s creative skills and make your toddler realize that gift-giving does not have to be expensive.
