Throughout the holiday season, my children are forever drawing pictures and wrapping them up with twenty feet of tape and tucking them under the tree. They take such joy and delight in finding random things around the house and wrapping them up for their family. (Clearly on the pro side of the re-gifting ethics argument.)

So in an effort to kindly guide this behavior into something effective, I have found ways to use this handmade gifting to my advantage.

Handmade gift giving isn’t for everyone. It takes time and effort, supplies and patience, and lots of hope and fingers crossed that it goes over well with the receiver. The instant click into Amazon cart from that ultimate gift guide is definitely the easier way to go.

But what I have found is the perfect time for handmade gifting is with children. In hopes to guide my children towards an attitude of gratitude during this season, I love for them to be in on the gift giving at least for out immediate family. Children have such free spirits and imagination when it comes to handmade gifts. And they take so much pride in presenting their work. Some of the best gifts we have come up with to exchange have been handmade gifts.

Our immediate family exchanges gifts early in our own special family Christmas before the hubbub of holiday travel insues. This tradition was yesterday. It involves breakfast for dinner, hot chocolate and Christmas light viewing, and of course the exchange of gifts to one another, spouse to spouse, siblings to siblings, children to parents. It sounds like a lot but we keep it as small and thoughtful as we can. It’s so fun to watch them get just as excited about the giving as they are for the getting. Nearly. Let’s be honest. They are still children.

This year, it seemed we really got it right with the gifts each sibling wrapped up for the other. The joy on both the brother and sister (for now the baby was unamused) was just about the cutest thing you can hope for on Christmas. We don’t always get it right. But when we do, it feels magical.

I thought I might share some of our ideas in hopes this sparks some inspiration for you too. Obviously these are very specific to the interests of my children but I think many can be applied in different ways.

Paint will work for just about everything.

By far the best resource for handmade gift giving is paint, specifically all purpose acrylic paint. l found this set at Michaels one Christmas season and it has offered much love to gifts over the years.

Basically the idea is take anything useful or loved and add a pop of color to it with paint.

My favorite project we did this for were some of Elliott’s wooden train tracks. You can see them pictured at top. I set Caroline up with one color at a time and she went to town. We finished with about 10 different tracks that add fun color to his everyday play. The same idea can be applied to building blocks. Or maybe a little box a child can use for secret treasure. Children don’t care about “quality.” Usually the crazier the colors and patterns the better.

This year I had Elliott paint a magic wand for Caroline, a new fan of Harry Potter. I took a chop stick, added designs with hot glue. Then he chose three different colors to add to the wand. It’s beautiful. Probably for more lovely than I could have done stressing over the right design. Caroline was delighted by it. 

Other ideas for adults could be a dish to hold jewelry or change on the dresser, a coffee mug, the front cover of a new notebook for the list maker, the handle of a set of wooden spoons. Really, anything that the receiver finds useful can only be enhanced by paint. And a charming smile from the little artist.

Design Personalized Stickers.

This was a new idea we tried this year and had so much fun with. I purchased a set of round sticker sheets from Avery, but other brands exist out there. From my phone, we were able to easily import photos onto the company’s website and print then directly onto the sticker. Caroline picked out her favorite photos of family members and we printed a sheet for each person on 1 1/2 inch stickers. Then she took a few of the stickers and made a picture using the faces to show Elliott what he could do with them. So much fun!

I think this idea could be used for more than just photos. Really you can take any picture from the internet (free available clip art of course,) save it into your phone, and design stickers for just what the receiver is into. Kids love stickers and getting a set of their favorite movie characters, or maybe their favorite snacks, is something you can’t buy off of Amazon. Well maybe you can, because that place is amazing, but it might take some serious digging. Make your own stickers and it’s a handmade gift they will love.

Commission art for a baby’s nursery.

Making gifts for little baby siblings is tricky. Something to put in a nursery is usually a safe bet. I commissioned Caroline to make a picture of our family to pop into a frame for Leo’s nursery which is sweet. This year, I took an idea that I used with Caroline when Elliott was born and that is creating a mobile. This definitely takes a little more parent help to attach the pieces. But just helping me count or choose which item to attach next was part of the creating process. When I finally get around to hanging this thing I’ll take a better picture. Our final design is definitely not something I could sell on Etsy. It’s lopsided and there are lots of glue gun strands. But it’s perfect to catch the attention of a baby laying in his crib, not sleeping.

Combine a handmade gift with a purchased gift.

We love to give books. In fact, we have been known to wipe out an entire gift list at one used book store. And I don’t remember anyone complaining about that.

One year, both Mike and I gave each other books for Christmas from the kids. And without discussing it (and magically without the kids spoiling the surprise) we also had the children handmade bookmarks. It was so sweet and simple and something we both still pull out nearly every day as we read our books. I used the same idea last year when gifting all of our family books and had the kids watercolor on big sheets of watercolor paper and then cut them into book marks. Easy, thoughtful, and something everyone was delighted to receive.

Which is really the point of handmade gift giving in general, right? It’s not about finding that one perfect gift to top all gifts. It’s about thinking thoughtfully about the person. It’s about using the easily available resource of your own creative hands in kindness for someone else. It’s about bringing delight to another person who can appreciate the effort you put into gifting.

So what are your winning handmade gift ideas for kids? I’m going to need more ideas for next year!

Happy Handmade Christmas to One and All!

6 out of 8.

I did the math today, as I stared at the Christmas tree in an early morning haze.

I realized that much of my recent memories of the Christmas season has been seen through a foggy lens.

6 out of the last 8 Christmases I have either been struggling though early/late pregnancy exhaustion or stumbling through frequent late night baby feedings. And the other two I was navigating toddlerhood, which comes with its own physical demands. It’s as if the weariness of those parenting seasons are as familiar to me at Christmas as the box of well loved ornaments we pull out each year. Christmas is filled with time honored traditions that as we attempt to mark off each year, they stand as a memory book of Christmases past. I stir up a batch of cookie dough and remember the years where I was too sick to enjoy my favorite cookies. We put on our favorite Christmas movie and yet again, I fall asleep 20 minutes in, as I try to recall if I have ever actually made it through this movie in full. And then most indelible in my mind are the years where I sat bleary eyed staring at the Christmas tree wondering if maybe Santa could just bring the solution for getting a baby to sleep through the night and wrap it up under the tree for me.

And so this is where I sit today.

It’s no wonder I have related so dearly to Mary, more than ever before in my faith journey. (I’m a Lutheran after all. We tend to leave Mary honoring to the Catholics.) I feel her aches and pains, the worry and anxiety, all that pondering over these little ones and how on earth we are to do right by them.

And yet, despite this exhaustion, I would still describe myself as a proud carrier of the Christmas spirit. Most of my storage is taken up by Christmas decorations, I’ve never met a Christmas song I couldn’t jam to, and my heart goes fluttery over all those twinkly lights.

So what does one do with this struggle between exhaustion and expectation? Well, I can tell you what has not worked in the past. False expectations, martyrdom, and guilt. Are these familiar to you?

There are the false expectations that I can check off all those necessary items on the bucket list. That maybe if I just tried harder I could get it all done this year.

Then the martyr mom creeps in, in which I wear the tired badge of honor like all the other parents at Christmas just getting it done for the sake of the children, all with the heavy load of bitterness and envy as I declare “oh don’t mind me, I’m fine. I’ll enjoy Christmas in 20 years.”

And then most popular is guilt. Guilt that I should be doing something I am not, or feeling something I am not, or enjoying these precious short years, darn it, while Christmas is magical to a child, when sometimes I am just not.

I have tried on these roles before, like the ugly Christmas sweater that seemed like a fun idea but just leaves you feeling itchy. They don’t work. Well, they do, but they don’t work well. And they certainly don’t add to the spirit of Christmas that even the weary mom deserves to hold.

Those frequent years of slogging through December have at the very least taught me something (and I’ll tell you it’s NOT how to get more sleep. But if you have any suggestions send them my way. Actually, don’t. I have tried them all. For now we just wait.) I am learning to manage this feeling of weariness by setting the right intentions. Intentions that work for me and this stage. Intentions that allow me to settle into the season exactly where I am and lean into the parts that work for me, letting the rest stay packed away in the basement.

Today I want to share with you the little things that for me set an intention of Christmas Spirit, in hopes you can glean a little spirit for yourself.

But Rachel, you might say, set intentions NOW?? We’re already 2 weeks into the season and only 17 days and counting away from Christmas morning. That Christmas ship has sailed. And I would say to you, no. It is never too late for intentions. Even if it is today, Christmas Eve, or that weird time between Christmas and New Years when no one knows what day it is, it is not too late to shift your perspective. Sometimes, it is even as simple as looking back on the season and noticing the space where you did find the right spirit. It was there, just maybe hidden a bit behind the unmarked bucket list and halfway finished Christmas cards. And with that awareness, you can take note and put it on repeat when you need to call on it again next season.

But let me be clear before I continue any further. Simple Intentions for Christmas Spirit should not be yet another thing on the to-do list or a barometer for winning at Christmas. I make this mistake far too often. Minimalism and simplicity are great notions until they become one more thing to feel shame about failing. Rather than see this as a carefully curated list or how-to plan that must be implemented, see this as a mindful shift in the midst of exhaustion. It is finding the space where the seasonal calendar has a place within the season of life. It is putting focus on the simple pleasures that you likely will already be doing, but noticing how they can bring light where it is needed. These are my personal simple pleasures that I found in this season are just right for Christmas.

And so I bring to you Simple Christmas Intentions for my Weary Soul.

Read Cozy Christmas Books.

This is where the Advent Book Calendar meets Hallmark Christmas movies. I made the mistake in years past attempting to finish the heavier books on my To Be Read list before the year end. While this is a noble attempt at enriching my reading life, I was never successful. In times of exhaustion and full calendars, my reading mind craves light and cozy. It’s why those cheesy holiday movies with the bad actors and fake sets are so successful. Or why that silly song we hear over and over and over again in December does not get old. Our hearts want to be light. They want cozy and happy and marshmallow fluff lightness. Even if our Christmases don’t resemble any of the curated love stories, reading about it is a delightful escape for the mind and heart. Here are some I have read and also have cued up at the library.

Jane and the Twelve Days of Christmas

The Twelve Clues of Christmas

Christmas at Little Beach Street Bakery

Christmas in Paris

A New York Christmas

Last Christmas in Paris

Add a new Christmas Vinyl Record.

Music flowing through my home is an instant mood lifter. Christmas music is next level.  There is something about hearing the same tunes year after year that put me in the space of joy that I long for in my time of exhaustion. But put that music on a record player, and my feelings of hygge hit max capacity. I collected a few classic records when I raided my grandparents stash earlier this year. But I decided I would treat myself to a new record while perusing a local record store. I even scored shopping local points. I can see this being something I look forward to just for me at the beginning of the season.

Obvioualy this is a very personal intention. Really this essence here is finding a small joy meant only for you. Perhaps it’s a new Christmas mug or festive socks. Whatever your choice, you are seeking a mood lifter all for you that doesn’t require the cooperation of others, particularly small others. 

Decorate for One Week, then Be Done.

With a new home to decorate, I feel like I am still trying to figure out what I need and what fits our lifestyle. But I have found that the list is always longer than I have time for. This year I gave myself a week to move things around, gather the last few strands of lights and garland, and fluff. Then I stopped. But before I moved on to the “enjoying” part of the season I find if I write down those items I did not get to or that don’t feel quite right, then I have a plan for next year. If I worry to much about getting it “just right” I am spending more time bothered by what isn’t there instead of what is. When I write down a “next year” list, I have set a plan and can let it go.

Already on my list for next year is printing and displaying family Christmas pictures as well as add some Christmas spirit to my kitchen with garland and lights.

Let There Be Light (with the Push of a Button.)

Possibly the simplest change with the greatest impact this year has been to my twinkle light situation. I know I am far behind on the times, but this is the first year that I discovered the joys of remote controlled lighting. This means that in the wee hours of the morning, as I stumble down the stairs with all of my fingers and toes crossed that this last feeding will get the littlest one to stay asleep just a little bit longer, I don’t have to fumble to plug in cords or find buttons on the floor around the house. With the push of one button, three different light centers in our home switch on, including the two Christmas trees in different rooms and the display of little houses. In addition to that, I added three different smaller battery twinkle lights in various dark corners also controlled by one remote. Click. Click. Click. Ambience is set. I may be tired before the day has begun. I may be drawn to nothing but the coffee maker. And I may only have but a few minutes of peace before a small person joins me. But in that small moment, the lights brighten my heart. For if I must be weary, at least I can be weary in the warmth of light. I am already planning how I might keep this spirit of light throughout these darker days of winter, and darker days of parenting.

Keep the Traditions, but Let them Grow.

Finally, the most mindset focused intention I am making this year is in how I see the traditions we hold for Christmas. I believe a sprit of tradition is so important for a family. Rituals are successful because they are consistent, expected, and provide a focal point from distraction. Unfortunately too often with tradition and ritual comes expectation. When we attach too much expectation to our traditions, we anticipate them to look the same year after year. But just as the people who follow these traditions are living growing people, traditions must be allowed to live and grow as well. This year, as I set my calendar this season to include those moments that I look forward to as well as my children, I am leaving room for them to look a little bit different than they have in the past.

An example of this was something I learned from a young family I nannied for and their family’s tradition at Passover. We were invited for many years to participate in their family’s Seder dinner. Each year, as the children got a little older and a little more patient, we made it through more and more of the traditional seder booklet. The tradition was present. We sat, had dinner, read a little bit at a time. But it looked different each year. It grew as the children grew. And everyone was at peace with this.

This is my example. Keep the traditions that are important to me, whether its reading Christmas books each night, making Christmas cookies, or taking a day for Christmas shopping. But be okay with what they look like today. Let them be what they are. And watch in wonder as they change with our family.

May these intentions inspire you to find simple ways to weave the sprit of this season into your days. Tell me, what works for you? What are you reading or listening to or decorating with? What do your traditions look like this year? I love to hear from you.

There are two things I feel you can never have too much of: books and art supplies. Truthfully if you gave me long enough, I'm sure I could give a few more. But when it comes to specifically child related supplies, these two I make plenty of room for in my home.

This is why I would always say when in doubt of what to gift, gift a book or art supplies. They are always educational. Always entertaining. And often, span the ages, development, and interests. 

The other reason art supplies are so fantastic is they are a consumable, and I don't mean the way you ate glue and play-doh as a kid. Art supplies can be utilized and then in time, they are used up, making room for more art supplies. That remote control unicorn she might have on her Christmas list? Not so much. (NO ONE BUY HER THAT REMOTE CONROL UNICORN. THE ELVES CALLED AND SAID THEY ARE OUT OF STOCK.)

I also think it is a gift that you never have to worry about being a duplicate of something already on their toy shelf. Art supplies can be tucked into restaurant busy bags, desks in their room, in the car for on the go. There are endless places to keep art supplies even if they already have something similar. 

Finally, buying art supplies for others just might inspire you to pick up the habit more often yourself. This is the best type of consumer influence. 

I am listing some of my favorite art supplies by category. While I get many of my craft supplies from Amazon, Target is another great place to look. Also, of course, the big box craft stores which often have sales or those 40% off coupons you can use for the pricier items. 

Have fun! Gift Creatively this year!

Paper

Construction Paper

Large Paper Roll

Small Blank Books

Watercolor Paper

This may seem like a silly gift but paper is important. Stacks of multiple construction paper provide endless project options. Big rolls of paper are fun to roll out along the table or the floor (you can even ask print stores for their end of rolls and they will sometimes give it you for free.) Small sketchbooks are perfect for on the go. But also most importantly, do not shy away from professional quality paper products. Good watercolor paper makes a world of difference. I know it seems ridiculous for those kids that mix the colors so much that it turns black or that drop one dot and call it art. Yet somehow, when painting on true watercolor paper, the colors look richer, the brush glides more smoothly, and the two year old art magically looks professional. I also turn these watercolor paper projects into cards, bookmarks, framed prints around the house (stay tuned for another gifting post for another day.)

Also, an easel is an excellent investment. An upright easel is better for eye hand coordination and fine motor development. The larger ones from Ikea are fantastic but even small table easel works great. 

Tools

Colored Pencils

Crayons

Scented Gel Pens

Watercolors

Washable Paint and Paint Cups

Liquid Watercolor and Palette

Gel Crayons

These are some essential tools for all your crafting needs. Simple, quality, and produce great results no matter the user. 

Some brands I tend to prefer are Faber-Castell, Kid Made Modern, and Crayola, which may be cheaper but still produces some wonderful supplies. 

When thinking about gifting art supplies, try to think of products with a slight twist like the confetti crayons or scented pens. If you want to start somewhere different, might I suggest the liquid watercolors or the gel crayons. Both are products that are likely new to your little artist. And they both provide such rich beautiful creations. The liquid watercolor may seem like a silly investment but a little goes a long way and the colors are so much more beautiful. And the gel crayons are wonderful for little hands to learn how to grasp. 

Collage

Low Temp Glue Gun

Mod Podge

Glue Stick

Washi Tape

Craft Collage Bundle

What makes creativity fun is having the random little do-dads on hand to inspire just the right project. I like crafting to feel open ended, more process than product. But some children think better in 3-D. The tactile experience of crafting with glue and stickers and tape and various types of random things is a fantastic sensory learning experience. 

A very fun gift to give is some glue and a collage kit. You can buy kits already pulled together or source it yourself from the craft aisle. Glue sticks and mod podge work the best for collage work (personally, I really can't stand white glue. It never comes out of the bottles and when it does, you always seem to have to much or not enough.) But also after a visit to our local children's museum, I am learning that a glue gun with a low-temp setting can be easily used by a preschooler or older, with a little supervision of course. And 3-D projects created with glue guns are much more satisfying than waiting around for the darn white glue to dry (if ever.)

I hope this gives you enough ideas to let this be a very creative Christmas, or any gifting season. Stay tuned later in the week for How your kids can use some of these supplies to make gifts for others.