Crafting Homemade Gifts

Perfect winter DIY projects for kids

By Jen Paul Schroer

As the cold winter months of January and February roll in, what better way to brighten someone’s day than with a homemade gift? DIY crafts not only let kids express their creativity but also teach them valuable skills like planning, problem-solving, and fine motor coordination. Whether it’s for a birthday, Valentine’s Day, or just to spread some warmth, here are some simple and delightful DIY gift ideas kids can make for family and friends. These projects are perfect for the chilly months and are sure to bring smiles all around.

1. Personalized Photo Frames

What You Need:

• Plain wooden frames or cardstock
• Paint or markers
• Stickers, washi tape, or embellishments
• Photos

How to Make It:

• Let kids paint or decorate the frame in wintery themes like snowflakes or cozy patterns.
• Once decorated, help them insert a favorite photo. This could be a winter family photo or a treasured moment from the holiday season.
• Personalized photo frames are an easy and thoughtful way to preserve memories, making them a perfect gift for grandparents, parents, or anyone who loves a sentimental keepsake.

2. Handmade Greeting Cards for Valentine’s Day

What You Need:

• Blank cardstock or construction paper
• Markers, colored pencils, or crayons
• Stickers and stamps
• Glue and decorative paper

How to Make It:

• Encourage kids to create unique greeting cards for Valentine’s Day, winter birthdays, or just to spread some love during the cold months.
• They can draw winter scenes, write heartfelt notes, and decorate with cute hearts, snowflakes, or even love quotes.
• These personal greeting cards are always appreciated for their thoughtfulness, and they’re perfect for any occasion in January and February.

3. Customized Mugs for Warm Drinks

What You Need:

• Plain white mugs (available at craft stores)
• Oil-based Sharpie markers

How to Make It:

• Let kids use the oil-based markers to draw wintery designs, write sweet messages, or personalize mugs with names or fun drawings.
• After decorating, bake the mugs in the oven (following instructions for the markers) to set the designs.
• These custom mugs are ideal for anyone who loves a hot drink on a cold winter day, making them a thoughtful gift for family members or friends who enjoy their morning coffee or tea.

4. Decorative Plant Pots with Winter Herbs

What You Need:

• Terracotta pots
• Acrylic paint or paint pens
• Small plants or herb seeds (like mint or thyme)

How to Make It:

• Kids can paint and decorate the pots with cozy winter designs, like snowflakes, hot cocoa mugs, or cute animal prints.
• Once the paint dries, plant winter-friendly herbs like mint or thyme, which will thrive indoors during the colder months.
• This gift not only brightens up any space but also teaches the recipient how to care for their new plant, making it a thoughtful and lasting gesture.

5. Scented Candles to Warm Up the Cold Months

What You Need:

• Candle-making kit or beeswax sheets
• Wicks
• Essential oils (like lavender, cedar, or grapefruit)
• Glass jars or molds

How to Make It:

• Supervise kids as they melt wax and add a few drops of cozy, winter-themed essential oils.
• Once the wax has cooled, pour it into glass jars or molds, insert wicks, and let the candles set.
• After the candles are ready, let kids decorate the jars with labels, ribbons, or even snowflake stickers. These homemade candles are perfect for adding a warm touch to any home during the chilly months.

6. Friendship Bracelets with Winter Colors

What You Need:

• Embroidery floss or yarn in wintery colors (think blues, whites, reds, or greys)
• Scissors
• Tape or a clipboard (to hold the bracelet while working)

How to Make It:

• Teach kids how to create winter-themed friendship bracelets by knotting the yarn into fun patterns.
• Kids can make bracelets using colors like frosty blue, snowy white, or even red and green for a Valentine’s Day twist.
• These bracelets are a thoughtful gift for friends or family and can be worn as a reminder of a special bond, perfect for the season of love.

7. Customized Tote Bags for Winter Essentials

What You Need:

• Plain canvas tote bags
• Fabric paint or markers
• Stencils (optional)

How to Make It:

• Let kids use fabric paint or markers to decorate tote bags with winter-themed designs like snowflakes, scarves, or cozy sweaters.
• They can also personalize the bags with their names or favorite winter quotes.
• These customized tote bags are practical and stylish gifts for teachers, family members, or friends, especially for carrying their winter essentials.

8. Recipe Jar Gifts for Winter Treats

What You Need:

• Mason jars
• Dry ingredients for a favorite winter recipe (such as cookies, hot cocoa mix, or a soup blend)
• Decorative labels and ribbons

How to Make It:

• Layer dry ingredients for a delicious winter recipe like hot cocoa mix or cookie dough in mason jars.
• Attach a recipe card with instructions and decorate the jar with ribbons, labels, or stickers.

This gift lets the recipient enjoy the warmth of homemade treats, making it perfect for the cold winter months.

Conclusion

Winter is the perfect time for kids to get creative with crafting, especially when it comes to giving thoughtful homemade gifts. These DIY projects not only encourage kids to think about the recipient’s preferences but also help them develop skills that last a lifetime. By crafting these simple gifts, you can foster an atmosphere of love, warmth, and creativity, making the chilly months of January and February extra special. So, gather your supplies, let the creativity flow, and enjoy crafting memorable gifts that will be cherished for years to come.

Jen Paul Schroer is a dedicated community leader with a proven track record of driving positive change. As a three-time Senate-confirmed cabinet secretary, trade association CEO, and chamber of commerce executive director, Jen has extensive experience in both the public and private sectors. As a wife and mother of two, Jen is deeply committed to improving the local community and supporting the economic well-being of families as the editor and owner of Tumbleweeds magazine and other ventures.