Handicraft Gift Ideas Kids Can Make - pine cones and primers

When I first heard the word handicraft I felt like I was eavesdropping on a Little House on the Prairie episode. I’ve since fallen in love with how beautiful, fun, and practical they really are. Here are some handicraft Christmas gift ideas that are easy enough for kids to make.

What Are Handicrafts?

It’s not the same as the typical craft tutorials you’ll find online. There aren’t any pom poms, glitter everywhere, or unknown objects made out of old popsicle sticks. Handicrafts are practical and useful items that take skill to make. Crochet blankets, knit socks, or a wood burned box are all examples of handicrafts.

Mason listed four qualifications for a good handicraft

(The children) should not be employed in making futilities such as pea and stick work, paper mats, and the like
They should be taught slowly and carefully what they are to do
Slipshod work should not be allowed
The children’s work should be kept well within their compass (aka at their level).

We’re encouraging our children to do their best work and teaching them step by step how to do it. In Mason’s day, handicrafts taught important life skills that would help students earn a living or provide necessary items for their future selves and families. I’ve crocheted since I was six and now I’m able to make hats and scarves for my little ones every year.

DIY Christmas Gift Ideas

Handicrafts are fun to make and useful, but you really only need so many of them. These projects make great gifts though for birthdays or Christmas time. Here are some handicraft gift ideas for your students to gift to friends and family this year.

Preschool and Kindergarten Handicraft Gift Ideas

These simple ideas are easy enough for the littlest hands. They will require some help and supervision though.

Homemade crayons – melt old crayon scraps into a silicone mold like this Christmas themed one.
Homemade candy cane playdough
Cinnamon dough ornaments
Salt dough ornaments
Make a small bowl from air dry clay
DIY Bookmarks
Finger knitting
Pressed flowers and leaves
DIY beeswax candles
Pine cone bird feeder
Painted peg dolls or wooden crafts
No-sew felt pillow
Cross stitch
Make Christmas cards
Simmering potpourri (put it in a nice gift bag or jar)

Handicraft Gift Ideas for Older Kids

There are a lot of options so you can easily choose what your child is interested in or what fits their skill level. Handicrafts not only make good presents for others, but gifting a child handicraft supplies is another good idea. I’ve included handicraft supply kits and ideas for kids (like felting, needlework, and leatherworking) in this Charlotte Mason gift guide.

Leather Handicraft Gift Ideas

Cross Stitch and Needlework Handicrafts

These can be framed, turned into pillows and pincushions, or used as decorations on clothing or aprons.

Sewing Project Handicrafts

Pottery

You can use air dry clay (the easiest especially for younger kids), or regular kiln fired clay. If you don’t have a pottery wheel then pinch pottery or slab pottery are the easiest options.

Crochet and Knitting

All of these projects are suitable for beginners or even more experienced crafters who are short on time. Love Craft is one of my favorite places to find free patterns for all experience levels. Most of the patterns below are from here.

Paper Handicrafts

25 easy Origami ornaments
DIY watercolor stationary
Handmade Christmas cards
Homemade envelopes
Hand letter cards and wall hangings with a calligraphy set

Beading and Jewelry Making

Macrame Handicrafts

Carving Handicrafts

Beginners and little ones can do soap carving while older children can tackle wood carving. You can get carving materials and carving tools from my favorite art store here.