Gifts are wonderful tokens of appreciation, especially when they come from the heart. As an educator, you know the joy that students’ gifts can bring to parents and family members. I’ll be honest, though – sometimes they seem like a huge endeavor that I’m not always…excited for once December hits. Yes, gifts might seem like a bit of extra work or expense, but trust me, these gifts are worth it. The delight in a parent’s eyes when they receive a handmade present from their child is priceless. So, we’ve put together a list of easy-to-make, budget-friendly ideas for handmade Christmas gifts that students can create for their loved ones. These gifts are simple to prepare, fun to make, and guaranteed to melt any grown-up’s heart.
Fun Ideas for Handmade Christmas Gifts: The One for Self-Care
Body Scrub
Let’s kick things off with a self-care gift. Body scrub is a fantastic idea for student Christmas gifts for parents because it’s not only a thoughtful present, but it also doubles as a hands-on science project. Students can create a luxurious body scrub by mixing oil, sugar, and essential oils. The best part is that it actually works! With a little creativity, they can design their labels, and once you pour the scrub into a small mason jar and tie a cute ribbon around it, it looks like something straight out of a boutique or upscale farmer’s market. Plus, it’s super low-cost, and you only need a few materials:
- Small mason jar with lid like these ones: https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=erinwaters0a-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon®ion=US&placement=B07F8JRRKZ&asins=B07F8JRRKZ&linkId=68f8addd7efad37cb5fb701ce47aac68&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true
- Round label
- Decorative string
- White sugar
- Essential oils (I usually buy these at Whole Foods)
- Unscented oil (vegetable, light olive, or avocado)
This gift is not only a treat for the parents but also a fun project for the students to undertake. If you’re looking for ideas for handmade Christmas gifts that won’t take long and won’t break the bank, this one checks all the boxes.
Fun Ideas for Handmade Christmas Gifts: The One With Multiple Gifts Inside
Open Me When… Envelope and Card Set
One of the best ideas for handmade Christmas gifts is this set of envelopes and notes that students can give to a parent or family member for a special day. These envelopes come with labels indicating when to open them (e.g., “Open when you miss me”). Inside, students can tuck in poems, pictures, surveys, and other student-created items that will bring a smile to their loved ones throughout the year.
What’s fantastic about these student Christmas gifts for parents is that it’s low-prep. All you need to do is copy the pages and provide the envelopes and writing/drawing materials. We offer templates for various occasions, including Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and a gender-neutral theme suitable for guardians, aunts, uncles, grandparents, or birthdays. The envelopes come in four different sizes, ensuring there’s one to fit every message.
This heartfelt gift truly keeps on giving, spreading love and joy throughout the year. Read more about this project here!
Purchase the set here.
Fun Ideas for Handmade Christmas Gifts: Directed Drawing Fridge Calendar
Our final gift idea is a delightful calendar that features kid drawings and adorable puns. This calendar is designed with the fridge in mind, making it a daily source of joy for parents. The cherry on top is the student’s photograph, making it a cherished keepsake. You can read more about this gift here.
Purchase this calendar here.
We hope these gift ideas inspire you and your students to create something special for the upcoming holidays. To make it even more memorable, we’re offering a free directed drawing card template for the winter holidays. It pairs perfectly with our fridge calendar, making it an extra special gift from your students to their families. Download it here.
Honorable mentions go to these gift ideas:
Shrinky Dink keychain or suncatcher
Remember, it’s not about the cost or complexity of the gift; it’s about the love and effort that go into making it. These simple, heartfelt gifts will create lasting memories for both your students and their families. Happy crafting and happy holidays!
Want more December ideas? Check out these resources:
Using Holidays Around the World Slides
Fostering an Inclusive Classroom While Teaching About Holidays Around the World
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