Looking for some handmade gift ideas for the special tots on your list? We’ve got you covered, and the best part is an older sibling can help put these gifts together too!
You can order inexpensive unfinished wooden toys from the Etsy shop Clickity Clack. I highly recommend them — quick shipping and great customer service! Painting your own toys is cheaper, and a whole lot more fun!! Emily loved helping me paint this rainbow stacker toy to give to Clara for a special Christmas gift!
Another super-colorful gift idea is this quilted color match game! Older siblings can gather colored buttons, toys, cut up paint chips, pieces of felt or yarn to use for the game. Clara adores this game, and we have given several as gifts!!
Have a tot on your list who enjoys nature and the outdoors? Print out a backyard bird field guide! This simple version is easy for little hands to hold, and older siblings can help cut the pages out!
We are big fans of pretend play in this household, so this pretend donut shop was a huge hit!! Older siblings can decorate a shoebox to store all of the pieces (plus the box can double as a pretend toaster-oven!!) We’ve taken this set in the car with us for pretend play on-the-go!
I’ve linked this post to:
Get Your Craft On @ Today’s Creative Blog
Dear Valerie,
I usually encourage children to NOT play with paint chips.
Love,
Mark
… OH. THOSE kind of paint chips. 🙂
You’ve inspired me to do a series of posts on crafts made from paint chips! Also, I think the sewing room could use a fresh coat, don’t you? ((wink, wink))
So many great ideas – thanks for sharing the link to Clickity Clack!
My pleasure! I found them when I was searching to paint some toys for Clara. Their shipping is super-fast, and I thought the prices were very reasonable!
I remember seeing the quilted match game before. I’ve got to make one of those,
If you get “fat quarters” for each color (around $1 each), you’ll have plenty of fabric to make several of them! Have fun!!
Your ideas are always so fabulous! Thank you!
Tricia
You’re very welcome! Have fun crafting!! xoxo
Totally checking out Clickity Clack.
It’s a fun shop! 🙂
Your rainbow stacker turned out really cute. Clara is going to love it!
Thanks, Anna! I hope she enjoys lots of play time with it!!
Love the idea of getting the older ones involved in making the presents. Doubles the fun!
Exactly! Emily was thrilled to help paint the rainbow stacker, and has plans for other little gifts for Clara too!!
i love you mommy!
I love you too, baby doll! 😉
Love the rainbow puzzle! Better than Melissa & Doug! 🙂
Whats going on with your Etsy shop, btw?
Awww… thanks! I love knowing that the paints are water-soluble and safe for the kiddos. We have some exciting things planned for the Etsy shop — can’t wait! 🙂
I just gave the grandparents a wish list featuring a much pricier rainbow puzzle–I rationalized it as being for all three kids, but the paint-your-own version is great! I’ll have to point them to Clickity Clack.
Great ideas, all!
We had a lot of fun painting this one and now we can’t wait to give it to Clara! It’s a great low-cost alternative and we think they are more fun to paint yourself! 🙂
Valerie,
Do you have email subscription to your blog?
Hi Julie,
Yes! You can subscribe via email here:
http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=FrugalFamilyFunBlog
Thanks so much! xoxo 🙂
Just found your ideas on Todays Creative Blog…LOVE the ideas. I’m all about homemade and children’s toys that don’t involve batteries. Thanks for the inspiration!
Yay! Thanks, Ashley, and welcome to FFFB! We love simple toys the most — lots more imaginative play and we’re not spending $$ on batteries. 🙂
What kind of paints did you use for the rainbow stacker? Also curious if you got the big or little one. Love your blog!!
Hi Meredith,
We got the little one, and I’m so happy with it! Can’t wait to give it to Clara for Christmas!! We used water-based acrylic paints. Hope this helps!