17 different women, 36 crazy children, 0 babies in utero
Adventures, Advice and Questions from a group of Mormon women who met in Queens, NY and have now scattered all over the place.
 

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Make Stuff: Kits for Kids

In this installment of "make stuff" you don't need to be artsy or crafty at all. You just need to be a creative compiler to make a fun kit for a child's gift.

Drawing Kit
If you know child who loves to draw, this kit will provide hours of entertainment (and learning)!

Container Idea: I put mine in a heavy box I found at The Container Store. It wasn't necessarily cheap, but it was the perfect size to fit all the contents.

Content Ideas:
-Large sketch book
-Tracing paper pad
-small scratch pad
-Colored pencils
-a nice marker set
-drawing pencil
-kneaded eraser
-pencil sharpener
-tiny wooden movable drawing manikin (or check out this dog drawing manikin)
-instructional drawing or lettering books
-letter and shape stencils
-french curve or other fun rulers.

Letter Writing Kit

Once a child starts to write on their own, this kit is a fun way to let them practice their skills and learn the art of this "ancient" way to correspond. I first heard of this idea from Kage in her "most creative gifts post" from a while back.


Container Idea: I found the photo storage boxes (around $3) at Michaels or JoAnn's were the perfect size and the right price too. They also come plain (ready to decorate) or in fun patterns.
Content Ideas:
-blank cards and envelopes (ready to decorate)
-cute stationary sets
-pre-printed "thank you' cards
-Design your own Postcards
-postage stamps
-stickers
-set of writing pens
-personalized monogram stamp (self-inking) or personalized return address labels.
-an address book (and if you know the child well, include the book preloaded with the addresses of all their most favorite people).

Craft Kit
I know, it's not the newest idea in the world, but it is a kit any kid is sure to love.

Container Idea
: While many craft stores now carry their own "craft organizer cases", I love putting together craft kits in tackle boxes that can be found at any sporting goods store. Usually they are cheaper, have better compartments and they always have a carrying handle.
Content Ideas:
-pom-poms
-sequins
-pipe cleaners
-popsicle sticks
-glue (school glue, glue sticks, glitter glue)
-scissors (straight edge and fancy)
-beads (wooden ones are fun and seem to be more reusable)
-wiggly eyes
-jewels
-paper (I like to include bits of colored and patterned paper scraps. colored tissue paper scraps are great too)
-fabric scraps
-wood shapes
-clothespins
-buttons
Fun with Yarn Kit
This kit is a perfect introduction to the "yarn arts" for a child who might not be quite old enough to learn to knit or crochet.

Container idea: A cute tote or basket is perfect for this kit.
Content ideas:
-a selection of fun yarn (check the thrift store first!)
-circular knitting loom
-Knitting spool
-Fun with String book
-A coupon for a private "finger knitting" lesson. (that is, if you remember how to do it from your childhood.

Dress-up Kit
And I'm not talking about princess dresses and tiaras. This kit is made up of found items from around the house and at thrift stores.

Container Idea: look for an old suitcase at a second-hand store.
Content ideas:
-scarf
-gloves
-hat
-costume jewelry - necklace, bracelet, ring
-purse
-fancy shoes
-fun women's clothes - bright colors, patterns, sparkles - anything that would be appealing to a child.


Resources - Don't forget to check the local thrift stores for craft and stationary items. I always find the best stuff there for super cheap.

Discount School Supply
Oriental Trading Supply
Michaels - especially look in their in-store dollar bins
JoAnn's - especially look in their in-store dollar bins
Target - especially look in their in-store dollar bins

Past "Make Stuff" posts
Make Stuff: Pumpkin Carving
Make Stuff: Fabric Scrap Paper Doll

6 Comments:

  • LOVE it - thank you for this post. I need to update our kids craft/art boxes. We've also got some birthday parties coming up and that's the route I'm planning to go.

    THANK YOU...
    posted by Blogger Sara at 1/23/2008 10:14:00 PM  



  • So fun! I think I am going to make one of the boxes to give at a baby shower for the other siblings to keep them busy while mom is busy with the newborn, now that's a gift!
    posted by Blogger Coleen at 1/23/2008 10:51:00 PM  



  • I have made the letter kit from one of our crazy kids here at Tales and it was so fun to compile and Pukey liked working on it too. My fave element was the personalized rubber stamp that I included. I would also add, for the peops with more disposable income adding photostamps with the recipients photo on them or photo stickers....it's all in the details people
    posted by Blogger Kage at 1/24/2008 05:03:00 AM  



  • I love your ideas for containers for the kits...those are always the hardest things to come up with!
    posted by Anonymous Anonymous at 1/24/2008 10:53:00 AM  



  • Really great ideas. My daughter will love doing these since she is very artsy/crafty. Thanks for sharing!
    posted by Anonymous Anonymous at 1/24/2008 08:17:00 PM  



  • This was wonderful! Thank you for the great ideas!
    posted by Anonymous Anonymous at 1/30/2008 08:10:00 AM  



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