Stephanie Mueller - 101 Great Gifts Kids Can Make

101 Great Gifts Kids Can Make Bulk purchase Gryphon House books are available for special premiums and sales promotions as well as for fund-raising use. Special editions or book excerpts also can be created to specification. For details, contact the Director of Marketing at Gryphon House. Disclaimer Gryphon House, Inc. and the authors cannot be held responsible for damage, mishap, or injury incurred during the use of or because of activities in this book. Appropriate and reasonable caution and adult supervision of children involved in activities and corresponding to the age and capability of each child involved is recommended at all times.

Do not leave children unattended at any time. Observe safety and caution at all times. Dedication From Stephanie Thank you to my parents and to my fellow educators, who inspired and encouraged my creative side. To my husband, Michael, who is so patient and supportive. To my daughters, Elsa and Greta, the two greatest gifts this mom could have. From Ann To Tony and Nick, thank you for your love and support.

To Ellie Newby (otherwise known as Mom) and Regina Rice, thank you for your dedication to the field of early child care and education. I am so grateful to have had such wonderful mentors. 101 Great Gifts Kids Can Make Stephanie Mueller and Ann Wheeler Illustrations: Mary Rojas (c) 2012 Stephanie Mueller and Ann Wheeler Published by Gryphon House, Inc. PO Box 10, Lewisville, NC 27023 800.638.0928; 877.638.7576 (fax) Visit us on the web at www.gryphonhouse.com Cover Art: Projects created by McKenzie and her dad, Stuart. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Information: Mueller, Stephanie R. p.cm. p.cm.

Includes index. ISBN 978-0-87659-414-8 1. Handicraft. 2. Gifts. 3.

Creative activities and seat work. I. Wheeler, Ann E. II. Title. III.

Title: One hundred and one great gifts kids can make. IV. Title: One hundred one great gifts kids can make. TT157.M7742 2012
745.5--dc23 2011049683 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Often these child-made gifts are treasured for years to come. With the appropriate materials, the freedom to be creative, and a little guidance, the possibilities for child-made gifts are infinite. 101 Great Gifts Kids Can Make is full of gift-making activities for children three to eight years old. The ideas can be used with a group of children or with one child. Most of the ideas use easy-to-find materials, and many ideas cost only a few cents to make. It is open to imagination and creativitythe childs ideas, choices, and personality are integrated. It is owned by the childthe child made it, investing thought, time, and energy; therefore, the gift means more when given to someone else. It is made with minimal adult helpthe adult selects and sets up appropriate materials for each activity, then steps back as the child creates. It is made with minimal adult helpthe adult selects and sets up appropriate materials for each activity, then steps back as the child creates.

How to Use This Book Table of Contents The chapters are divided by characteristics unique to the materials or type of gift. This makes the gift ideas appropriate for a wide variety of holidays and special occasions. Activities Materials Most materials are readily available or easily obtained. Whenever possible, we suggest alternative ideas to offer flexibility based on the materials that may be on hand. Unless otherwise noted, the term paint indicates tempera paint, and glue specifies white glue. Always use materials that are appropriate for young children, such as nontoxic paints and markers and child-size scissors.

A list of commonly used Great Gift materials is on page 157. Before Beginning Some activities include a Before Beginning icon, which indicates that some adult preparation is required before the child gets involved in the activity. Make Your Great Gift While adults can use the directions included in each activity to guide the gift-making process, the projects are the childs to create. We believe the process, the creative freedom, and the value of giving are more important than the physical appearance of the end product. As with any activity, consider the developmental level and abilities of each individual child. All gift-making materials should be child-safe and nontoxic.

These activities are designed for children ages three and up; some children will need help. We recommend close adult supervision at all times as your child creates Great Gifts. To prepare for all activities, cover the workspace, provide a smock to cover the childs clothing, and select a safe place for wet projects to dry. Also, have an appropriate writing utensil handy to write the date and the childs name on the gift. Variation Several activities can be modified to create a whole new gift-giving project. Helpful Hints Many activities include ideas to help children complete the projects, including time-and money-saving tips, options for materials, and alternative steps.

Seasonal Suggestions Some activities include suggestions to make them unique to certain holidays or special occasions. By simply changing the color of paint or type of paper used, a child-made gift can become uniquely seasonal. We also encourage readers to come up with adaptations to fit their specific needs. Index Use the index to find gifts to make based on the materials you have at hand or a holiday or occasion you want to celebrate. Why We Wrote This Book We noticed a need for this book when we tried to locate gift-making ideas appropriate for young children. In addition, the attendance at workshops we presented on this subject has been large, and the children who have made gifts have been enthusiastic.

We have used ideas in this book as early childhood teachers and as parents. Some are new ideas using modern materials; others are traditional gifts or familiar art activities that have been modified to fit the developmental levels of young children. Our goal is for all involved to experience the joy that can be found in giving and receiving unique child-made gifts.

Make frames, albums, and other personal gifts using childrens photographs.

Trim contact paper to frame a favorite photo.

Materials clear contact paper card stock or lightweight cardboard glue stick photo of child tissue paper scraps, colored cellophane, stickers magnetic tape