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Giving Gifts and Making Memories

By Patty Mayeux

No matter which special event your family celebrates this holiday season, chances are giving gifts is a big part of that celebration.

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Many parents today are concerned that the holiday season is becoming too commercial, what with the television blaring scenes of little Johnny or Suzie seeing you-know-who placing the biggest, brightest ­ and yes, most expensive ­ toy to be found this season under the tree.

Take heart, parents. These suggestions may help your children understand the meaning of giving out of love rather than giving in to the “I-wants” or the  “Must-haves.”

Homemade Gifts

You can help your child create homemade gifts and the best part will be the time spent together while working on the project. A visit to your local library or quick surf of the Web will yield many resources for you to tap into, but don’t limit yourself to what you find. Brainstorm with your child to come up with the perfect gift ideas, taking in to account the unique personality of each recipient, and your child’s ability. Here are some ideas you may want to try:

·        Decorated Plant Pots: There is no need to wrap these one-of-a-kind flowerpots, just add a seasonal plant and they are ready to go. To paint a glass jar, fill a larger glass container with water and swirl different colors of oil paint on the surface of the water. Dip the glass jar into the water to create a beautiful, swirling design. A recycled coffee can becomes a perfect planter by spreading glue over the outside and covering it with oilcloth or other fabric. Or wrap a coffee can with ordinary twine from the bottom up. Tape the beginning and end of the twine and when it is all done, apply a coat of shellac to set the twine and give the pot a rich, shiny tone.

·        Holiday Cookie Cards: What teacher wouldn’t be pleased to receive a personalized cookie card? A basic recipe for rolled cookie dough and store-bought gel icing is all you need to create these one-of-kind delights. Roll the dough into a five-by-seven inch rectangle for each cookie (trim if necessary). Bake at 325 degrees for about eight to 10 minutes, or when they appear light brown around the edges. Let them cool completely before decorating with that special message. Wrap them in a shirt box with plenty of tissue paper to pad them. To prevent breaking the cookie while opening the gift, have your child wrap the top of the box separately and then slip it over the unwrapped bottom of the box. To open the present, slip the decorated top off the box. That brings us to:

·        Stenciled Wrapping Paper: Trace the shape of holiday cookie cutters onto flat sponges and then cut out the shapes. Mix tempra paint or watercolors with water to achieve the perfect consistency for stamping onto butcher-block paper or brown paper grocery bags­ some experimenting may be necessary. The great thing about this project is it allows even preschool children to be creative and place the stamped shapes as often and wherever they want. When the paint dries, adding beads, tiny pompoms or even red hots, can enhance the design.

Good Luck and Happy Holidays!