DIY GIFT IDEAS FOR LITTLE ONES

So, this Christmas, since my kids are getting a bit older, I wanted them to really put some thought into making each other something as a gift. Every year for birthday's or holidays they want to make stuff for each other but it usually ends up being a drawing or card. Which is really great and sweet! But I know the older two (especially Sterling) would like to really make something and feel proud of it. It's something we have discussed before...but they need a little guidance. So, for the past few months I would come across some craft ideas that seemed somewhat easy to replicate and have them participate in, which I saved on Pinterest. This past week, I pulled each of them aside separately (except for Ruby) and asked them what would be there top 3 gifts they would like on my board. Then, I would bring each one in separately again and tell them what was on each other's "wish list". It was so cute. A few of them gravitated towards the same gifts. Then I took a bit of time with each one and got them to work on a gift for each other while the other's played together or during quiet time. 

These cameras were a hit for all of them. So each one made one for each other. And I already had all the supplies on hand which is another reason I pinned them. The fabric could be from an old sheet if you don't have any cotton fabric, I have a bag of random lost buttons that I keep for things like this, and the rope is leftover from this macrame project. I took a pencil and drew the outline of the camera for Elle (Sterling wanted to do her's without any help!) and they drew it with a Sharpie marker. They sewed on the buttons, I sewed the camera together with my machine, and then they helped stuff them. The whole process probably took about 30 minutes a piece and we had to work on it for 2 days because Sophie's projects were also intermingled in there and I couldn't keep them out of the room for more than maybe 10-15 minutes.

These binoculars made from recycled toilet paper rolls were cute as well and easy enough for my 4 year to help with. I did the hot gluing but she assisted with the tape. Also, supplies I already had on hand...toilet paper rolls (always around), washi tape (the girls like to use this for all kinds of things), and some string or yarn (this was hemp cord). This took maybe 10-15 minutes. Super easy! Sophie made these for Ruby!

And one of the other things was a button necklace inspired by these . So, easy! This took about 5-10 minutes each. I let Sophie pick out the color of thread and the buttons. She helped put it through the hole, I tied it off, and Voila! She was so proud to have made them these.

And I had some little tiny boxes left over that we had made a few years ago (you can see here) that we put them in. 

I know...it probably sounds funny...a button necklace?! Like, would they really like these? But the truth is they picked these things on their wish list. And they are so excited that they made each other a real surprise. I am totally surprised that they have actually kept it from each other so well. All I have heard the past few days is "I've made you something for Christmas! You're gonna really like it!" Ha! All in all they had fun making something and it didn't take much time really.

This is one of the reasons I like Pinterest...

I love to create and make things. It's so much fun (if it's something I like), and my kids think it's fun as well (if it's something they are into). But my hands are so full with homeschool, clean up, laundry, cooking, etc. that I don't have tons of time to drum up ideas. Maybe every now and then I will have a vision of something in my head that I would like to make, but even that comes from inspiration somewhere. So, thank you Pinterest, that you make it easy for mom's like me that don't want to loose their creative side as a full time mom...and whenever I have an idea of something I want to do for myself or with my kids all I have to do is click "pin it" and it's one less thing I have to remember until it's time to pull out the crafting stuff!

Here are a few other easy DIY gifts for little ones that you and your kids might enjoy as well:

a crown, a little bag of pet rocks, decorate and make a mini notebook. And if it seems too advanced for them, just having them be a part and giving them a specific job with the craft is just as good. Also, wrapping the gifts are also just as fun!