Handmade Ways to Say Thanks
There’s something special about knowing someone has spent their time imagining what might make you smile. And at this time of year, when there are many people to thank, from teachers and carers to coaches, neighbours, and family friends - a simple, homemade gesture can feel extra meaningful.
If your little ones attend daycare, kinder, school or activities, the list of thank-yous can feel long. But giving doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, some of the loveliest memories are made when you slow down together to create something from home. A gift made with your hands (and little hands beside you) carries so much heart.
Here are some gentle, low-cost ideas you can make at home using everyday items:
Homemade Thank you Gifts to Make Together
Painting wrapping paper with an apple shaped stamp
Bake some cookies and present them in a jar, tin, or little basket.
Make a “bake later” jar filled with dry ingredients for muffins or cookies.
Paint a terracotta pot and pop in a packet of seeds.
Frame your child’s artwork - such a special way to make your child feel proud and the recipient feel very loved.
Make your own wrapping paper with potato stamps to wrap your gift - a delight for anyone who receives it, especially when they recognise your child’s art.
Offer an experience instead of gifts - a picnic at the park, looking at Christmas lights together, or a crafty play date.
Make salt dough decorations to hang on the tree.
Homemade Gifts for Little Ones
Craft Jars for gifting, fairy garden and beaded bracelets
Create a playdough craft jar with spare store bought dough or make some home made play dough - it really is easy to make and add treasures like pebbles, glass stones, ribbon, sequins or gumnuts. A great activity for little hands to squish little treasures into the play dough to make a magical world.
Older children might enjoy a craft jar with left over crafty items, if you are like me you love making and might have some left over beads, buttons or other craft supplies. Curate them into an activity jar.
Put together a “useful box” for little ones - perfect for new parents or families with younger siblings. Fill with paper tubes, stickers, crayons, tape, and craft scraps from your recycling tub.
Gift a hand-me-down with meaning - a favourite tutu, costume, toy or picture book that’s ready for a new home.
A simple thank you note is a true gift on it’s own.
Or simply create a handmade card with a simple, heartfelt note of thanks, often the most treasured gift of all! A complete gift on it’s own.
You truly don’t need to spend much money to send a little festive joy or offer a meaningful thank you. A thoughtful moment, a handmade touch, or a tiny creative gesture can say everything.
See what ideas you and your little ones dream up together - and have fun letting your gifts be simple, playful, and filled with love.
