Scrambling for last-minute gift ideas for your loved ones? Look no further. With the help of your littles, sentimental gifts are always a special touch for grandparents, parents, relatives, and friends. Whether long-lasting keepsakes or use-now creations, these craft-based holiday gifts are quick and easy for you, fun and engaging for your kiddos, and heartwarming and touching for your loved ones.

  1. Fingerprint Art. Capturing fleeting moments in time by turning your children’s fingerprints, handprints, and footprints into artwork. All you need? paint and your kiddo (standing as still as possible). Whether on a clear ornament, a piece of cardstock, a frame, or a card, carefully paint your child’s print and stamp it onto the item, then let it dry. To add extra detail, turn the prints into holiday designs like snowmen, reindeer, snowflakes, Christmas trees, and more.
  2. Gifts in a Jar. Any item means more when it’s made and packaged with love. Pick out a fun, inexpensive mug or give your child the chance to paint their own designs on a jar. Then, fill it with ingredients or kits for your loved one to enjoy. Layer ingredients to hot cocoa (marshmallows, cocoa mix, candy canes), DIY spa kits (bath salts or sugar scrubs), popcorn kits (popcorn packet and seasonings), emergency kits (lip balm, band-aids), and so much more. Your child will feel helpful and productive while organizing gifts in the jar.
  3. Coupon Books. Gather some paper and assist your kiddos in coming up with ideas for a personalized “coupon book” for grandparents, parents, and siblings. This is a fun way to reflect on the loved one the gift is for while engaging your child in the gift-giving process in a hands-on way. Coupon ideas can range from “free hug,” “movie night,” and “take out the trash,” to “fold the laundry,” “trip to the zoo,” and other unique, individualized moments. These coupons can include an expiration date and be as detailed as you’d like.
  4. Bookmarks. A homemade bookmark can range from a heartfelt note to a painted print. Grab a thick piece of cardstock, cut it to the desired length, and, for added detail, hole-punch the top and tie a pretty string through the hole. Then encourage your child to decorate the bookmark with markers, paints, stickers, and more. Your loved one will be reminded of the heartwarming sentiment every time they flip the page.
  5. Salt Dough Ornaments. This simple, nostalgic decoration is made with just a few ingredients: flour, salt, and water. Although the process is easy, following the steps carefully ensures the best results. Cut the dough with cookie cutters or create your own personalized shapes, then allow time for them to dry. Afterward, encourage your children to paint the ornaments. Don’t forget to sign their names on the back along with the date.