How Kids Can Make Art To Give to Family Members

If a child gives you a drawing, they have given you a precious gift.

Rather than money, they spend their time and creativity on creating art. Children love making art for a person they love.

This holiday season, what better way to encourage your child’s artistic side than with the spirit of generosity? The possibilities for arts projects kids could make for Christmas gifts are endless! Try involving your kid in gift giving by creating unique, beautiful gifts that will be cherished by family and friends as your child grows up.

Repurpose Existing Art

A simple way to create a meaningful gift is to repurpose your child's existing artwork. Gather their drawings, paintings, and crafts from throughout the year and create a beautiful keepsake. This is a wonderful way to preserve their creativity and share it with family and friends. Of course, you’ll want to have your child’s permission (and even help!) to modify their artwork.

Paint a Dish or Mug

For a truly one-of-a-kind gift and memorable family day out, take your child to a pottery painting studio. Let them design their own plates, mugs, or bowls using paints and glazes, while keeping the recipient in mind to create a lasting bespoke piece of functional art for a person they love and use for years to come.

Make Holiday Ornaments

Turn your child's artwork into a holiday decoration by creating custom ornaments. Simply scan their drawing or painting and upload it to a website that specializes in custom ornaments. Choose from a variety of shapes and sizes, and add a personalized message to make the ornament even more meaningful.

Create Handprint Art

Handprint art is a classic gift that is sure to be cherished as your child grows. For grandparents, a handprint of their grandchild’s is a deeply sentimental keepsake that they will treasure. Get creative and enjoy making this piece together.

• You can press your kid’s painted hand onto a piece of heavy paper and frame it for your family member.
• If you have multiple children, you can trace all of their hands overlapping each other’s, using a different colored pencil each to create a totally unique piece of sentimental art.
• You can also make an imprint of their hand using a clay impression kit or go 3D with a hand casting kit.
• Some other ideas include using child safe fabric paint to print handprints on a t-shirt or sweatshirt, scarf, bucket hat, or sweatshirt

Try Jewelry Making

Your child might love making their own jewelry. There are many kits available that make it easy for kids to create bracelets, necklaces, and earrings if they’ve never given it a try before. You can also gather your own supplies, such as beads, cord, and clasps, and let them experiment with different designs. Your child will feel such a sense of pride when seeing their relative wearing their piece of handmade gifted jewelry!

Tie Dye

A tie-dye project can be a fun and creative way for a child to make a personalized gift for a family member. To start, gather a white cotton item like a t-shirt, tote bag, tablecloth or bandana. Choose a variety of vibrant fabric dyes in your preferred colors, or purchase a dye kit, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure to take the appropriate precautions, like wearing gloves, covering your clothes, and working outside. The result will be a unique, colorful piece that communicates your child’s love and creativity.

Tips for Creating Homemade Art Holiday Gifts with Kids

Crafting homemade gifts with your kids is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season and encourage meaningful gifting. Not only does it create lasting memories, but it also fosters creativity and problem-solving skills.

• Take stock: Before buying art supplies, check your child’s art area to see what they already have available and what should be used up before purchasing more. Make a list of what you do need to purchase and avoid going to the store without a plan.
• Be patient: Art can be messy and time-consuming, so be patient and allow your child to explore their creativity.
• Encourage confidence: Let your child choose their own projects and designs. The most meaningful gifts are the ones that reflect their personality.
• Let your kid lead: If your child is making a gift for a loved one, let them have full creative control. Resist the urge to interrupt or critique. Rather, guide them if they ask questions or if they need adult supervision, but allow them to create a gift they can be proud of giving.