Handmade gifts are great for so many reasons! Having your kid sit down and make gifts for others teaches kindness, thoughtfulness, and instills a giving spirit. It also lets kids get creative and feel pride in what they’ve created! They are also great for the recipient because they get a thoughtful and unique gift from an important person in their life! It’s really a win-win, so I’ve collected 10 fun and simple DIY gifts your kids can make for Christmas. Enjoy!

1. LEGO pen holder. Your child will love building this photo pen holder by LalyMom. This is going to look great on a loved one’s desk or end table. It’s a fairly simple build so that even toddlers and preschoolers can build it. Find instructions here. 
2. Handprint jewelry dish. If you’re looking for a unique and useful gift, look no further! These clay jewelry dishes are a great present for anyone on your list. Head over to Rhythms of Play for a supply list with instructions.
3. “I love you” pillowcase. These make precious gifts for family member or friend on your list, and it’s one they can actually use! Your child can write anything at all on the pillowcase with a pencil or even draw something unique, and then simply trace over it with fabric markers. This is such a cute idea! Find the full instructions here. 
4. Christmas lights fingerprint photo frame. This is such a cute frame for the holidays, and it’s simple and frugal to make. You’ll need wooden frames from the craft store and acrylic paints in your favorite colors. Head over to Fun-a-Day for instructions!
5. Jar gifts are perfect for your child to create for teachers, friends, and family! There are loads of options, such as hot cocoa in a jar, cookie mix in a jar, manicure in a jar, etc. Let your child fill and decorate the jars for that personalized, homemade touch!
6. Hot cocoa mix ornaments. Here is another universal gift. Who doesn’t like hot cocoa? These won’t break the bank either. Purchase some clear plastic ornaments from the craft store (they’re cheap!) and just pour in pouches of hot cocoa mix using a funnel. Mix it up with mini marshmallows, dark chocolate chips, or sprinkles and voila! Your child can add stickers or dip in glitter for a more personalized gift. 
7. Origami bookmarks. Is there an avid reader on your list? These origami bookmarks from It’s Always Autumn are perfect! Click here to choose from 5 free templates.
8. Hand-painted snowman votive holders. These are so easy. You just need a glass votive holder, paint, markers, and a tealight candle. Dip your child’s finger in the white paint and use prints to create a snowman. Allow this to dry, and then paint on the details. Pop in a candle and there you have it, a cute and festive gift! 
9. Fingerprint keychain. Here is a clay craft that will be a sweet gift for grandparents! Simply roll out white clay, cut out small hearts with a cookie cutter, and press your child’s thumb into the clay. Poke a little hole in the top for the ring and bake. 
10. Perler bead bowls. For this project, you’ll just need a glass bowl, a few handfuls of perler beads, and nonstick spray. Spray the bowl and dump the beads into it. Press the beads down until you have a single layer of beads. As  you do this, they’ll begin to creep up the side of the bowl. Bake at 375 until the beads start to melt together - probably between 10-15 minutes. Here’s an example of how beautiful they look!

Rebecca Eanes is the bestselling author of multiple books including Positive Parenting: An Essential Guide, The Positive Parenting Workbook, and The Gift of a Happy Mother. She is the grateful mom of two boys.