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Holiday Gifts Your Toddler Can Make

Festive Fun for the Whole Family

By Marie-Helen Goyetche

Choose a wallpaper sample and cover the container. Place a few polished stones at the bottom to add stability. Depending on who the container is for, you can add a few items in the container and wrap with clear wrapping paper. Ideas to consider: kitchen utensils, candles, combs, brushes, tools and, of course, pens and pencils.

You'll need:

• an clean, empty film container
• stickers
• coins

Have your child decorate the film container with stickers and fill it up with some coins. This makes a great gift idea for cousins, young friends or siblings over age 3.

You'll need:

• 1" paint brush
• non-toxic paint
• construction paper
• clear self-adhesive paper

Sit down with your child at the kitchen table. Paint your child's hand (palm to fingertips). Firmly place hand on construction paper to form a handprint. Make as many prints in as many colors as both of you desire, and let dry. Optional: use markers to add information about your child such as: name, date of birth and other facts you'd like to share. Let the paint dry and cover both sides of the construction paper with the clear self-adhesive paper. You can give a single placemat as a centerpiece or in a set of two, four or six.

If your child is enjoying the activity you can also hand print an apron, a tray, a plate, a book or a T-shirt.