FOR THE GRANDPARENTS
Gifts Kids Can Give on A Small Budget
By Sarah Lyons
There is nothing more heartwarming than a gift made by a child. Handmade gifts are affordable, fun to make, and can be given to grandparents to show your love and appreciation. Here are some gifts that are sure to make any grandparent smile.
Prints. All you need is a child’s cooperation, some paint, and a little creativity to make a gift that will be cherished for years. Handprints, fingerprints, and even footprints can be used to make a variety of crafts and art. Try putting your child’s prints on an apron, tea towel, oven mitt, or T-shirt to give to a special someone. Make sure to follow the directions on the paint to ensure that the design lasts for years. As a bonus, your kids will love getting messy during the process.
Tasty Treats. Kids love to help out in the kitchen, so why not put together some tasty treats for some sweet people in your life? Get the kids involved in baking and put together a plate of cookies the kids can help deliver in person. Putting a homemade cookie mix into a mason jar also makes an easy gift that kids can help with. Finish the jar with a decorative bow and instructions and it’s ready to be delivered.
Frame It. Photos make a favorite gift for any proud grandparent. Get kids involved in picking out favorite photos from the past year and putting them into a collage with handmade drawings or a poem. Try making a scrapbook page that can be framed for a special gift. Picture frames can be made with decorated popsicle sticks, clay, or an existing frame can be painted or decorated with mosaic tiles, buttons, or other craft supplies. Affordable frames can be found at local thrift stores or the dollar store.
Personalized Gifts. Nothing is more thoughtful than a gift made to fit the recipient’s personal tastes. Talk to your child about their favorite hobbies and tailor the gift to their interests. For example, use permanent markers to decorate golf balls for the golf lover in your life, decorate a plain coffee mug for the coffee lover in the family, have your child create a special bookmark for the bookworm, or use fingerprints to decorate wooden utensils for your favorite chef. Kids can also use scrapbook paper, stickers, craft supplies, and cardstock to make custom stationery. Making personalized gifts also helps teach kids to be observant of others interests that may be outside their own.
Utilize Beads. Beads are an affordable and versatile craft item that can be used for a variety of gifts. Older children can make personalized jewelry or key chains for loved ones. Pony beads can be melted to make into a suncatcher, mobile, or even a bowl. With beads, you can give your child some ideas and let their creativity lead them.
Spa at Home. Do your grandparents need some rest and relaxation? Try mixing equal parts white or brown sugar and olive oil for an easy sugar scrub that is a great gift for a grandparent who deserves a day at the spa. There are many recipes for homemade soaps, sugar scrubs, and bath salts available online. Many can be mixed together in just minutes and cost very little to make. This luxurious gift may be quick and affordable, but it is sure to make your recipients feel loved and appreciated.
There is great value in teaching kids to give gifts to others. They learn to be generous, thoughtful, and experience the joy of giving. They also learn the important lesson that gifts do not need to cost a fortune to be cherished.
