When my daughter was small, I helped her make a Christmas gift for her grandparents. She colored the outside of a small box and glued pictures of herself that I had cut out onto it. On Christmas Day, she handed it to Grandma and Grandpa. They oohed and aahed over her handiwork, and then they opened the box to find that it was empty. That’s when my daughter excitedly said, “I filled it up with kisses for you, Grandma!” And just like she did at home when we were making it, she raised her little hand and blew kiss after kiss into the box.
Having your kids make creative homemade Christmas gifts is both meaningful for the people who receive them and a great way to save money. Use our list of 10 ideas for awesome and adorable homemade Christmas gifts this season.
1. Christmas Coupons
Christmas coupons are a fun and personalized way for your kids to spread the love to siblings, grandparents, and friends. The best part about our printable coupons is that the options are unlimited. How about a coupon for a long hug, a batch of Christmas cookies, a chore -free day, or even breakfast in bed? 
2. Watercolor Masterpiece
You know that the grandparents can never get enough of your child’s artwork. Mix it up for the holidays by having them paint first, and then add a thumbprint border. Ask your child to draw a Christmas tree and cover it with glitter, and then write underneath, “Grandma puts the sparkle in the season!” For Grandpa, have your child draw a picture of himself holding Grandpa’s hand. Underneath, have him write, “In every season, I am your buddy.”
3. I Know You! Gift Bags
Creative Christmas gifts made by kids are great for letting the gift-getter know they are seen for who they are, especially a personalized gift bag. Sit with your child and come up with a list together of what the recipient loves. Do they have a sweet tooth? Throw in some candy. Do they play golf? Include some golf tees. Also have your child write a note saying why each item is included. And let them decorate the bag before you start filling it. If you’d rather not buy things for the bag, your child can draw a picture of each, fold it up, and put it in the bag. When the gift-getter opens the bag, they’ll enjoy seeing what your child has noticed about them.
4. “Top 10 Reasons I Love My …” Printable
Kids can spread the Christmas joy by completing the printable “Top 10 Reasons I Love My…” mom, dad, brother, etc. Roll it up and tie it with a festive ribbon. You can also frame it. This personalized Christmas gift is sure to be a keeper.
5. Hot Cocoa-to-Go Kits
This simple and tasty gift idea is the perfect way to warm up the Christmas season. In only four steps, kids can enjoy creating Hot Cocoa-to-Go Kits as a gift.
6. Printable Calendars
Let your child select and assemble a year’s worth of these pretty calendars for a loved one. Once they’re printed, have your child color in pictures on important days. For a grandparent, have them decorate birthdays, the grandparent’s wedding anniversary, or an upcoming family vacation. You can also help them by printing out tiny photos of time spent together to glue into the date rectangles.
7. Christmas Coloring Pages
Christmas coloring pages are a great way for even the youngest of children to participate in giving a gift this season. They can color them to give as a gift, or put them in a gift box with some crayons for a sibling or friend.
8. Homemade Stationery
This sentimental gift is easy for kids to make. They can follow these simple directions to create homemade stationery using paper, scissors, markers, and crayons.
9. Cool Collages
If your kids like to cut things out and glue them, this is the creative homemade Christmas gift for them! First, gather up some old magazines. Visit your library and ask if they have any they’re throwing out. You can also scope out thrift stores. Your child can either make a collage of things the person they’re giving it to loves, or just create something fun and pretty to look at. Another collage option is to print out photos at home (you can print on regular copy paper on the Draft setting so you don’t have to use as much ink) for a collage. If your kids want to go big, have them fill up an entire sheet of poster board.
10. Christmas Vacation
This is a sweet way for small children to learn about sharing and bringing joy to others. Ask your child, “Is there one of your toys that you think ________ would like to have visit them for a few days?” Then, take what your child chooses and come up with care instructions. If your child can write, let him write the list: Tell Teddy you love him. He likes hugs. Or if it’s something like a toy car: It likes to go fast. You can race it. Thank you for taking good care of it!
How will you include your children in gift-giving this season?
