This is a follow-up on my previous post about having Christmas on a low budget. 

Craft Harry Potter: If you have access to some tree branches, you can craft a Harry Potter wand or broom. For both, you can choose to leave the bark on or carefully peel it off. If you leave it on, follow the previous post for directions on sealing the wood. If you peel the bark off, you can then carve, paint or draw designs, word, pictures or symbols onto the wood. If you want, glue on some plastic jewels or pretty stones, or use leather to tie on some feathers, twigs or stones. Use wood sealer to seal the piece. For the broom, you can use a bundle of twigs or straw to finish off the bottom—glue the first layer of twigs/straw around the wood. Then carefully glue more layers around. When it is as thick as you would like, finish the final layer by wrapping twine or string around it and tie it tightly. You may want to add glue to this as well. And there is your broom.

Craft Kits: For something even quicker, try giving the above gift, totally unfinished, in a craft kit for your crafty child. Be sure to print out directions and include all the materials needed. You can also offer to help the recipient make the craft, for a special time together.

Other craft kits you can put together (don’t forget to include instructions):

Child’s Garden: Give a planting pot, some pebbles to cover the bottom for drainage, some potting soil, and a variety of seeds. You can instead give a large jar for the child to put together a terrarium. Be sure to include some small figurines, stones or shells for decoration.

Cooking Kit: Put together a little cookbook of simple recipes a child can do. Search through your kitchen supplies and choose several pieces the child can have—a set of measuring spoons or cups, a small mixing bowl, a wooden mixing spoon, etc. Don’t forget an apron. You can also find these items at the thrift store or some dollar stores. If you want, include all of the ingredients for one of the recipes. Some easy recipes include Rice Krispy Squares, Snack Mixes, Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich, Smoothies, Ice Cream Sunday, Tomato Soup, etc. Be sure to warn the child in the cookbook to have adult supervision whenever sharp tools or using the stove/oven is required.

Craft Kit: Find a neat craft from a craft book, one which will appeal to your particular child. Assemble all of the materials and present in a nice box or bag. Include the instructions!