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Give kids and tweens an opportunity to have fun and make holiday gifts for the special people in their lives. Set out supplies for these 5 DIY gift ideas, play some holiday music, and set attendees loose to get crafty! Much of the supplies may already be hiding in your craft closet. These ideas work great as a kids-only, tween-only, or all-ages event.
Promotional Blurb
"Spread holiday cheer by making holiday gifts for the special people in your life! We'll provide the supplies and instructions for 5 DIY gifts, you provide the creativity. For ages 5-8 [or 8-12]."
Holiday Cards
Supplies
Cardstock in plain or holiday colors
Pencils
Markers
Glue sticks
Ribbon or ribbon scraps
Other Embellishments: Stickers, sequins, etc.
Instructions for these DIY Ribbon & Fabric Scraps Christmas Cards can be found at the blog Northstory + Co. OR simply put out cardstock, markers, holiday stickers, glitter, or any craft supplies you already have on hand.
Colorful Coasters
Supplies
Ceramic tiles
Sharpies
Rubbing alcohol
Holiday stencils
Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge
Paint brushes
Instructions for these DIY Holiday Sharpie Coasters can be found at Amelia Capotosta's blog including links to the stencils she used. Amelia uses hot glue to adhere felt to the backs of her coasters, which is a nice step that I typically skip to save on prep time. I've purchased the blank tile coasters from both Home Depot and Amazon in the past.
Beaded Snowflake Ornaments
Supplies
Pipe cleaners
Pony beads
Snowflake beads
Ribbon
Instructions for these DIY Pipe Cleaner Snowflakes can be found at the blog Kids Kubby. I typically add ribbon so participants can make them into hanging ornaments. For younger kids, you may want teen volunteers to twist the pipe cleaners into snowflake shapes ahead of time and then leave the beading to the kiddos.
Holiday Lights Fingerprint Bookmarks
Supplies
White Cardstock
Black markers
Multicolored washable ink pads
(Or washable paint)
Baby wipes
Hole punch
Ribbon
It's not a library event without a bookmark craft! Cut white cardstock sheets into bookmarks prior to the event. Set out the blank bookmarks, along with an example, black markers, and fingerprint ink pads. Baby wipes allow attendees to wipe off their fingers between colors. Punch a hole in the top and add a ribbon to complete their masterpiece. Similar instructions can be found at the blog Kids Craft Barn.
Round Bead Bracelets
Supplies
Elastic jewelry cord
Round beads are a nice step up from pony beads for a fancier bracelet. I often precut elastic into 8-inch strips prior to the event and plan for each bracelet to use 20-25 beads, depending on the size of the round bead. Stretch Magic Bead & Jewelry Cord works great for beaded bracelets.
Gift Bags
As a nice touch, provide brown or white lunch bags for attendees to transport their items home. You can also set out markers and embellishments to turn them into gift bags!
BOOK DISPLAY
Finally, cross-promote your event with a DIY-themed book display!
