Making Homemade Holiday Gifts

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

18 Dec 2008 08:35 AM

If you haven't already heard some of the richest parents in the world, Brad Pitt and Angelina, will not be showering their six young children with expensive gifts this Christmas. Rather, the family will be crafting presents to exchange with one another.

If the troubled economy has you searching for affordable homemade gifts to place under the tree, then consider these festive ideas:

JINGLE BELL WIND CHIME

This project is about as easy and inexpensive as it gets. Before heading out to the craft store to purchase materials, dig through your junk drawer. You'll probably find all the items you need for the project in there.

Materials:

2 Sticks (or chopsticks)

String or thread or yarn

Jingle Bells

Other decorative embellishments such as beads, buttons, stickers, glitter, etc.

Directions:

Tie the two sticks together to form an "X."

String decorative items and hang them from the center and from the four "arms." The trick is to find items that will balance nicely on all four "arms."

Hang on your Christmas tree or above a door.

HOLIDAY WISH BOX

This project promotes positive thinking and goal setting. What's more, it can be made with items you already have around the house.

Materials:

Small boxes (e.g. a check book box, a snack box, a band-aid container)

Paint and brushes

Collage material (colored or printed paper and other festive embellishments)

Directions:

Paint the design of your choice then cover it with collage material. Be creative. You can use as much (or as little) of the material as you want.

When the box is dry, have your children think of a wish. Write it down on a small piece of paper and fold or roll it up tightly. Place wish in the box.

Then, when guests arrive for your holiday parties have them add to the box with their wishes. At the end of the season open the box and read the contributions.

Related Articles:

Holiday Crafts for Kids: Cards and Ornaments

What To Do with All Those Holiday Cards

What Do You Do With Pictures of Other People's Kids?

The Family Christmas Photo

Who's In Your Christmas Card Photo?

How to Make Homemade Christmas Wrapping Paper and Ornaments

How to Make a Simple and Festive Christmas Wreath

Fun with Fruitcake--The Best Gag Gift of the Season

Making Edible Garland for Your Christmas Tree

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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