"The littler the better" is the philosophy of these presents -- and it's easy to make a bunch quickly. Kids can give them to friends and classmates, adding a small treat, such as a holiday note, candy, or trinket.
Kids will love counting down the days until Christmas with a miniature chest made of matchboxes. As its drawers are removed and reversed, a festive picture emerges.
With an icy tingle on the tongue and a pinwheel of Santa-red and snow-white stripes, peppermints are the coolest holiday sweets -- especially when transformed into edible hanging ornaments. Lay five or so peppermint candies in a circle to form a wreath; bond sides together with icing. Adorn front with cinnamon candies or mints. Let dry two hours before hanging. Loop twine around ornament; knot.
A hand-drawn decoration makes a practical gift precious. With fabric crayons, kids can draw on an ironed handkerchief. Parents press with an iron to set the image (follow instructions on crayon package).
Kids can write their own messages inside these cheerful cards and hand them out to classmates and teachers, or punch a hole at the top and tie on ribbon or yarn to use as tags.
Sprinkles on gumdrops and sweet gummy rings -- these are a few of kids' favorite things. It's easy to turn candy into lively decorations and ornaments.
Hanging old toys on the Christmas tree spreads joy: Mom will be pleased to have less clutter, and the toys will be happy to be rescued from their dusty corners.
Who's game for this challenging treat? Cut gingerbread while it's warm; after it cools, decorate with royal icing. Wrap pieces with a note: "Don't cheat: Solve the puzzle before you eat!"
To make a reindeer's head, turn a gingerbread man on his. Add a face, ears, and antlers with melted chocolate chips, sanding sugar, gumdrops, and other candy.
Button shapes resemble many seasonal things, as on these simple cards made of folded card stock. Construction paper cut-outs and a snip of ribbon help turn green buttons into a wreath, tiny red ones into holly berries, and white ones into a friendly snowman. (When they're turned vertically, the holes in the snowman's belly button look like buttons themselves.)
Happy times with kids call for cheerful cupcakes. Easier to serve than cake, cupcakes require no slicing, no plates, and no forks -- and every child gets her fair share of icing.
