INSPIRING YOUR CHILD'S CREATIVITY AT THE HOLIDAYS!

Inspire your child’s creativity at the holiday time and get some great gifts for the relatives on a small budget

It feels like we just took down all of our holiday decorations. But incredibly they are back before we know it. With so many family members and friends, how can we afford to buy gifts for everyone? There is no need to stress this holiday season because I have some great last minute tips for you.

While you are scrambling away trying to get gifts for your relatives, don’t forget that your kids can be very helpful at this time of year. Kids love to help. Besides it’s a great way to spend time together. My parents always used to tell me how much they loved the gifts that my sister and I made for them as kids. Everytime I went into my father’s office, I saw that paperweight covered with tiles that I made for him when I was five sitting on his desk. Not only does it make your child feel proud and special, but it creates long lasting family memories.

So, here are a few ideas for you and your kids to make that special gift for grandma, Auntie Carol, Cousin Lisa or one of your friends.

THE INFAMOUS PAPERWEIGHT
Take a block of small wood and get some tiny tiles. Glue them on and around the whole block of wood. You can get tiles and a block at your local hardware store. You can even take one of your kid’s building blocks to do this (If they don’t mind). Your child can also decorate it with raw macaroni and spray paint. Like magic, you now have a gorgeous paperweight. So the next time you open your window, your papers won’t blow away!

THE BEADED NAME NECKLACE
Your child will love stringing the alphabet beads to make a necklace for Grandma while singing the alphabet at the same time. I had my kids make them for every Aunt and Grandma in my family and they look great. You can get alphabet beads at your local craft store along with some string.

A MOBILE OF PICTURES
Take a regular hanger and some string. By the way moms, those satin hangers you never use will come in handy here. Put tiny holes in the pictures and put the string through the holes. Tie the string to the hanger and you have a hanging mobile of beautiful pictures. You can fasten to the ceiling by tying fish string to the top and putting a tack in the ceiling. Babies aren’t the only ones who love mobiles!

I hope you enjoy doing these activities with your kids. I know THEY will. Have a healthy and happy holiday season.