I remember being little and creating sweet homemade gifts to give to my friends and family. I loved sitting down to create something using nothing but a few crafts supplies, lots of time, and loads of love. Because those times were so memorable and meaningful for me, I want my children to learn all about this too! Above all, that time and love is what gift giving is all about.
I started thinking about some sweet homemade gifts kids can make all on their own. They are perfect for Christmas, for example, but also for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Teacher Gifts, you name it!
One of my favourite gifts for kids to make are these Calming, Lavender Lotion Bars. In the summer, they are wonderful to keep in the fridge to soothe sunburnt skin. And in the winter, they are lovely for moisturizing dry skin after a warm bath. Get the printable step-by-step instructions right here:
So without further ado, (I wonder what “ado” really means? I should likely google it before using it… but…)
I bring you 45 Homemade Gifts Kids Can Make!
Practical Gifts
Beaded Napkin Rings by Buggy and Buddy – Kids who enjoy beading will have a blast making these table decorations as gifts.
Watercolor Bookmarks by Let’s Explore – What a great way to take kids’ art to make a useful gift.
LEGO Photo Pen Holder by LalyMom – Children who love building with LEGO bricks will enjoy making this pen holder. It’s a great gift for kids to make!
DIY Clay Bowls by Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails – These lovely bowls are easy to make, and I know mamas will love using them every day.
Tie-Dyed Bookmarks by Happy Hooligans – Look at those colors! Who wouldn’t love receiving this homemade bookmark as a present?
Styrofoam Printed Cards by The Artful Parent – A set of handmade cards would be the perfect gift for the letter writers in a child’s life. Or keep them on hand to use as, for example, birthday cards for family members.
Personalized Notebooks by Mum in the Mad House – Prolific writers and note-takers would get a lot of use out of these homemade books.
DIY Computer Wrist Rest by Pink Stripey Socks – Such a cheerful wrist rest! Even more meaningful because it’s made from a child’s art.
Sharpie Art Coasters by Paging Fun Mums – These colorful coasters would surely look like works of art in someone’s living room! They’re so easy and fun!
Tinted Mason Jars by Hands On As We Grow – Children can easily create these colorful mason jars! The jars can house, for example, coins, pencils, tools, and lots more!
Felt Embroidered Coffee Cup Cozies by CraftWhack – For kids who like to sew and embroider, these look fun to make!
Eco-Friendly Printed Napkin by The Brashear Kids – Let kids turn a basic napkin into something with more pizzazz! A great gift for those who like to entertain, for example!
Jewelry and Other Wearable Gifts
Washi Tape Wooden Bracelets by Mama Miss – These bracelets look beautiful, and I’m sure adults and kids alike would enjoy receiving them as a present.
Polymer Clay Beads and Jewelry by Babble Dabble Do – These beautiful, colorful beads can be used to make some gorgeous jewelry to give as gifts!
Shrinky Bracelet by Rust & Sunshine – Kids can explore shrinky art while creating a wearable gift.
Abstract Painted Scarf by Crafting Connections (link no longer available) – I never would have thought of making a scarf this way!
Paper Pulp Pendants by Babble Dabble Do – What family member wouldn’t love to wear these child-made heart pendants?
Handprint and Fingerprint Gifts
Wrapped Up in Lights Fingerprint Frames by Fun-A-Day – I love how the children were “decorated” for the photos included with these frames!
Hand Print Mason Jar by Fun-A-Day – Children’s handprints make some of the most wonderful gifts kids can make! This jar could be used as a vase, to hold spare change or pencils, etc.
Hand Print Sun Catchers by Homegrown Friends – Such a beautiful handprint gift! It is sure to be treasured by any who receives it.
Hand-Shaped Ring Dish by Mama.Papa.Bubba – Kids’ handprints always seem to make the best gifts for family!
Homemade Christmas Ornaments – These sweet homemade Christmas ornaments make the perfect gift for grandparents or other loved ones, and they look so fun to make!
Gifts for the Kitchen
Sandpaper Printed Towels by Toddler Approved – Such a cool process to make a meaningful keepsake!
Modern Hand Painted Trivets by Inner Child Fun – Such fun designs to spice up a kitchen gift. They’re beautiful in addition to being practical!
Painting with Trains on Ceramics by Play Trains – What an amazing idea! Let a child’s love for trains (or cars or trucks) guide the art process of the gift!
DIY Painted Mugs by Glued to My Crafts – Easy instructions for dishwasher-safe mugs! These would certainly become a favorite for coffee or tea drinkers.
Gifts to Display
Wind Spinner – My son worked hard to make this creation his own! What a great gift for someone’s backyard.
Tissue Paper Votive Holders by Craftulate – A simple and fun craft kids can make and give as table decoration.
Yarn-Wrapped Hearts – An engaging fine motor craft a child can give to show her affection.
Crayon Resist Photo Display by Twodaloo (link no longer available) – Such a cool idea! Make a special gift for displaying photos.
Painted Mosaic Styrofoam Tile Picture Frame by Pink Stripey Socks – This colorful frame looks like it would be such a fun gift for kids can make themselves.
Recycled Art Magnets by Hand Made Kids Art – Such a useful way to recycle kids’ old artwork! These would make a great gift for grandparents, for example.
Fabric Resist Art Pillows by Meri Cherry – What a gorgeous art technique for the kids to use as they make pillows to give to their family!
Homemade Snow Globes by Our Best Bites – Something tells me the kids will have as much fun making these as giving them as presents!
Tin Can Lanterns by Kids Craft Room – These lanterns are beautifully thought out and decorated! I think they’d look nice on a back porch, for instance, or maybe in a window.
Melted Bead Sun Catchers by The Artful Parent – Kids can create a colorful piece of art by melting beads, then give the resulting piece as a present. Perfect to decorate someone’s garden.
Glitter Candles by Lessons Learnt Journal – A glittery twist on a traditional child-made gift. Lovely!
DIY Flower Bottles by Studio Sjoesjoe (link no longer available) – I love how such simple materials can be used to create beautiful gifts like these flower bottles.
Pony Bead and Prism Suncatchers by Rhythms of Play – Simple and pretty! Anyone would love to receive this beaded suncatcher.
Edible Gifts
Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix by Fireflies and Mud Pies – Who doesn’t like delicious hot chocolate? Kids can make the simple recipe to share with family and friends.
Homemade Chocolates by Nurture Store – Teach kids how to make delicious chocolates to share with others. Yum!
Potato Soup Mix in a Jar by Inner Child Fun – Kids put together a delicious soup mix for family and friends. In addition, they get the wonderful practice of measuring and mixing!
Bath and Body Gifts
Lavender Lotion Bars – These little lotion bars are so simple to make, and little ones can help each step of the way! They are so gentle, and therefore would be perfect for a baby or young child.
Citrus Sugar Scrub by Happily Ever Mom – I can almost smell the fresh scent of this homemade gift!
Fizzy Scented Bath Bombs by Playdough to Plato – Bath bombs are gifts kids can make, and additionally, they’re a fun science project!
Peppermint Lotion Bars by Ed Snapshots – I bet these lotion bars smell decadent!
Lavender Heart Bath Bombs by Red Ted Art – A homemade gift that encourages relaxation!
What do you think? Loads of inspiration – right? Meaningful and thoughtful, while also being a lovely gift to receive – Win-Win!
And if you’re looking for some homemade card ideas, well, I’ve got you covered for that too! Check out these Homemade Cards for Kids to Make and the absolute Cutest Child-Made Birthday Cards.
Homemade gifts are simply the best – especially when made with tiny hands. Happy gift-making, friends! And with that, I bid you ado…
(…as I go to Google the meaning of the word “ado”)
P.S. Don’t forget to grab your FREE step-by-step instructions for making Calming Lavender Lotion Bars:
You’ll also love these How Wee Learn best-sellers:
John says
Thanks for sharing this information.
it’s very helpful to me.
Kandise says
This post is a life saver! My daughter and I are moving just before Christmas and will probably be in quarantine for the holidays. I suggested to her we could craft the whole time and make gifts for our family and friends this year instead. There are so many ideas here, the time will fly by!
Thank you.
Sarah says
I am so happy this post could be of help to you Kandise! I am so sorry to hear about your Christmas, however I admire your uplifting spirit! Happy holiday crafting!
Christi says
Love all of them. Can’t wait for my boys to get started on some of these as gifts for grandparents and mom and dad.
Sarah says
Thanks Christi!
Kate says
What an extraordinary list! Thanks for so many fabulous ideas!
Sarah says
So happy you like them Kate!
Megan says
this is a great list. The second “ado” should actually be adieu, as in the German word for goodbye. but maybe you already googled that.
Sarah says
Thank you Megan! I feel more cultured already – I just love this little online home of mine, so many helpful people! Adieu new friend!
Karen says
Wonderful selection of gifts for children to make and recipients to cherish! Thank you so much for sharing these lovely craft projects.
Sarah says
So glad you like them Karen!
Emma says
I was looking for anniversary for my parents and was having struggles. This helped for sure. Have a blessed day.
Feriha says
Awesome list! Totally stole some ideas and will be ending up under the tree this year 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Sarah says
Yay! So glad you found some ideas perfect for your little one Feriha.
Turtle says
Hi Sarah,
The crafty gifts you’ve shared are lovely. Thanks for such fun ideas! The teacher in me won’t let this one go- adieu is French for goodbye. It means, “to God” and is an alternative to au revoir. Au revoir implies hope of meeting again, while adieu is more final. Though Megan is correct in stating adieu means goodbye, the German phrase for goodbye is Auf Wiedersehen.
All the best to you!
Sarah says
Well thank you so much! Now I know 🙂 And thank you for taking the time to share it so informatively. I appreciate it!
Michelle A. Morlan says
Sarah, You piqued my curiosity!
ado
[əˈdo͞o]
NOUN
a state of agitation or fuss, especially about something unimportant.
“this is much ado about almost nothing”
synonyms:
fuss · trouble · bother · upset · agitation · commotion · stir · hubbub · [more]
Sarah says
You go Michelle!!!! Thank you!
Rahul Yadav says
I love your website, I have so much fun learning to do things.