xmas for kids

The littler the better is the philosophy of these presents and its 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.

This snowflakes sparkly clusters are made by dipping shaped pipe cleaners into borax dissolved in boiling water with food coloring. As the water cools, borax forms crystals that cling to pipe cleaners.

Bend a pipe cleaner in half and twist once at the top for a loop.Slide buttons over pipe cleaner ends, slipping one end into each hole (if the button has four holes, use two diagonal ones). Use larger buttons for bellies and hat brims.

These merry snowmen get their roly poly forms, red scarves, and carrot noses from rolled fondant, a thick, pliable sugar mixture often used to give wedding cakes a smooth finish (youll find it at baking supply stores). Chocolate sprinkles stand in for coal eyes and buttons; licorice drops make the hats.

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).

Why are these creatures smiling Theyre holding on to a secret, and when the time comes, theyll open their arms wide to reveal it a hidden holiday greeting.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. Choose our gift bearing bear or generous pooch or draw your own friendly character.

When you cut into a gummy candy using a plastic knife, you expose the sticky interior; this built in adhesive is the primary tool for assembling these creatures. The larger the sticky surface, the better the parts will hold. Set up a table with bowls of candy, and let kids bring the colorful treats to life.

Holiday cards make perfect ornaments dazzling and delicate yet impossible to break. In a few steps, turn cards into darling globes or circles that lock together, ready to twirl. Or, frame a snowy scene in a frosting of sparkles. Hang your new ornaments with card garlands for an enchanting tree.