Here's a grown-up application for a traditional fall kids' activity: Turn leaf rubbings, made with thin colored paper and standard wax crayons, into gift tags or place cards by trimming around the edges of the paper leaf. Write the names of your dinner guests or gift recipients in a contrasting color.

Crayons, by Crayola, 120 for $11, toysrus.com. Waxed-linen thread, 4-ply, $15 for 100 yd., caning.com.