Give the Gift of Creativity In Homemade Gifts, children will experience the joy of crafting heartfelt, personalized presents with their own hands. This fun and inspiring program introduces young creators to the art of gift-making, where they’ll design and craft unique treasures for family, friends, and loved ones. From beautifully painted picture frames to charming clay ornaments, kids will explore a variety of hands-on projects, using materials like paper, fabric, beads, clay, and paint. Each week, they’ll discover new techniques, spark their imagination, and build their crafting skills—all with the guidance of our enthusiastic instructors. More than just a creative outlet, Homemade Gifts helps children develop fine motor skills, boost confidence, and experience the joy of giving from the heart. By the end of the program, they’ll have a collection of meaningful, handmade gifts—and the pride of knowing they made something truly special.
In this program, it will be up to the Instructor(s) to gauge the interests of the group and decide how best to structure the overall term. Some things to consider:
- Instructors should prepare for any new craft/project by making a “prototype” themselves. To practice and troubleshoot and to inspire the group with a quality finished toy.
- If sewing, Instructors should always prepare for the lesson(s) by pre-cutting any patterns and threading needles. It’s a good idea to have at least twice the number of needles prepared than the number of students – so you don’t have to do this on the fly.
- Instructors MUST keep track of all needles. If you hand out 10 needles, you need to get them all back before the end of class. Do not ever give a child a new needle without having them return the one just used.
- Sewn Felt projects should NEVER be sewn inside out and then turned. When working with felt, please sew along the outer edge for the best finished product.
- Stitches should be small and close together to keep the stuffing in – keep an eye on student’s work and correct/encourage where needed. Check all work before allowing a student to take home a completed craft – it should be done to that student’s best ability (this means it will often take 2 weeks to complete a project).
- Children are NEVER permitted to draw on material/felt with any type of marker.
See the Homemade Gifts Packing List here.
Lesson Ideas and Options:
These activities are designed for students in grades 1–6, covering a broad age range. Consider the interests and abilities of your group—simplifying the project or process for younger students and increasing the challenge for older participants to keep them engaged. Use your judgment, and don’t hesitate to seek support if needed!
Option 1: Personalized Cardboard Picture Frames
- Use layers of sturdy cardboard to create a custom picture frame shape.
- Cut an opening for a photo and reinforce the back with a stand or a loop for hanging.
- Decorate with buttons, fabric scraps, magazine cutouts, or colourful paper to personalize the design.
- Optional: Add a handwritten note or quote to make it extra meaningful.
Option 2: Handmade Greeting Cards
- Explore pop-up, folded, and layered card designs to create unique greeting cards for different occasions.
- Use stamps, washi tape, cut-out shapes, and calligraphy techniques to decorate.
- Introduce embossing or textured elements to make each card feel extra special.
- Encourage kids to write a heartfelt message inside for a loved one.
Option 3: Clay Ornaments & Keepsakes
Let the clay air dry and attach a string or ribbon for hanging.
- Use Model Magic to sculpt personalized ornaments, keychains, or small keepsakes.
- Shape the clay into hearts, stars, animals, initials, or abstract designs.
- Explore texturing with household items like lace, cookie cutters, or stamps for added detail.
- Let the clay air dry and attach a string or ribbon for hanging.
Option 4: DIY Beaded Jewelry
- Teach kids how to string beads to make bracelets, necklaces, or anklets.
- Introduce pattern-making with colours, shapes, and textures.
- Learn different beading techniques like knotting between beads, using stretch cord, or crimping wire ends.
- Add charms, name beads, or small pendants to personalize each piece.
Option 5: Felt Flower Bouquets
- Cut felt petals and leaves in different sizes and colors.
- Roll and glue the felt to form roses, daisies, or tulips.
- Attach flowers to pipe cleaners or yarn-wrapped sticks for stems.
- Arrange in a mini bouquet and tie with a ribbon for gifting.
Option 6: Handmade Fabric Bookmarks
- Cut felt or fabric into long rectangles for bookmarks.
- Decorate with ribbons, lace, embroidery, or stitched initials.
- Add a tassel, beads, or pressed flowers for a special touch.
- Reinforce with a layer of cardstock or iron-on interfacing if needed.
Option 7: Paper Quilling Art
- Learn the basics of quilling, rolling thin strips of paper into spirals, teardrops, and other shapes.
- Use quilled paper designs to create flowers, animals, or abstract patterns.
- Assemble the designs on a greeting card, bookmark, or framed artwork.
- Explore color combinations and layering techniques.
Option 8: Macramé Keychains with Hemp Cord
- Teach basic macramé knots like the square knot and spiral knot.
- Use hemp cord or cotton string to make a sturdy keychain.
- Add wooden beads, small charms, or colored thread wraps for personalization.
- Attach a keyring or lobster clasp for easy use.
Option 9: Macramé Wall Hangings
- Use wooden sticks or small dowels as the base for a mini macramé wall hanging.
- Teach lark’s head knots, square knots, and fringe trimming.
- Let kids experiment with different lengths and color combinations.
- Add beads, feathers, or small charms for extra creativity.
Option 10: Photo Collage or Scrapbook Pages
- Provide photos, magazine cutouts, and printed designs to create a personal collage.
- Explore layering techniques, frames, and washi tape borders.
- Use stickers, doodles, or handwritten captions to add meaning to the images.
- Encourage kids to create a theme-based page, such as “Family Memories” or “Dream Travel Destinations.”
Option 11: Finger-Knitted Yarn Bracelets
- Teach the finger knitting technique to create soft, woven yarn bracelets.
- Experiment with multi-color yarn strands for a unique effect.
- Show how to twist or braid multiple finger-knitted strands for different styles.
- Add beads or small charms to the ends for a polished look.
Option 12: Paper Flower Bouquets
- Cut crepe paper or construction paper into petal shapes.
- Layer and glue petals to create realistic roses, daisies, or tulips.
- Attach flowers to pipe cleaners or craft sticks for stems.
- Create a bouquet, wrapping it in decorated paper for a beautiful presentation.
Option 13: Holiday-Themed Gift Crafts
- Choose from seasonal crafts such as snow globes, paper wreaths, handprint ornaments, or holiday garlands.
- Use felt, paper, or natural materials to create timeless decorations.
- Add glitter, pom-poms, or mini lights for festive flair.
- Wrap the gift creatively with handmade tags, ribbons, or stamped wrapping paper.
Option 14: DIY Bookmarks & Notebooks
- Create bookmarks using felt, cardstock, or watercolour paper.
- Design mini notebooks by binding pages with yarn, staples, or washi tape.
- Decorate covers with stickers, stamps, or painted designs.
- Personalize with a name, an inspiring quote, or fun patterns.
Option 15: Handmade Keychains
- Make keychains using felt shapes sewn or glued together.
- Decorate with buttons, small beads, or embroidered designs.
- Add a name, animal shape, or favorite character for personalization.
- Attach a keyring to complete the project.
Option 16: Yarn Pom-Pom Accessories
- Teach pom-pom making using yarn and cardboard circles or a pom-pom maker.
- Attach pom-poms to keychains, garlands, hair ties, or pencil toppers.
- Experiment with multi-color pom-poms and different yarn textures.
- Create themed designs like pom-pom animals or fruit shapes.
Option 17: Stuffed Mini Backpack Charms
- Cut felt pieces into a mini backpack shape.
- Sew or glue the edges, leaving a small opening for stuffing.
- Add a tiny pocket, straps, and a loop for attaching as a keychain.
- Personalize with beads, embroidery, or fun patches.
Option 18: Final Showcase & Gift-Wrapping Party
- Teach creative gift-wrapping techniques using fabric, recycled paper, or ribbon bows.
- Allow kids to display and present their handmade gifts in a small showcase.
- Share stories behind their creations and reflect on their crafting experience.
- Celebrate their creativity with a small treat or craft-themed certificate.
Homemade Gifts Packing List
Additional items may be requested by emailing Liz at any time. Please give at least 1 week notice when requesting supplies.
Essential Tools & Supplies (Used Across Multiple Projects)
✔ Scissors
✔ Glue sticks
✔ Hot glue guns & glue sticks
✔ Hole punchers
✔ Rulers
✔ Pens, markers, & pencils
✔ Paintbrushes
✔ Paper plates
Fabric & Felt Supplies
✔ Felt sheets
✔ Embroidery floss
✔ Needles
✔ Straight pins
Paper & Cardboard Supplies
✔ Heavy cardstock (assorted colors)
✔ Construction paper
✔ Cardboard squares
✔ Wrapping paper or brown kraft paper – 2 rolls
Beads, String, & Jewelry Supplies
✔ Assorted beads
✔ Hemp cord and Macramé string
✔ Stretch jewelry cord
✔ Metal key rings & lobster clasps
Clay & 3D Crafting Supplies
✔ Model Magic (air-dry clay)
Yarn & Fibre Supplies
✔ Assorted yarn
✔ Pipe cleaners
Miscellaneous Crafting & Decorating Supplies
✔ Buttons & small embellishments
✔ Wooden dowels
✔ Safety pins
✔ Ribbon & twine
✔ Washi tape
✔ Gift tags