At holiday time, we encourage our children to make gifts for others. They learn a new skill and develop character traits such as problem-solving, perseverance, frugality and consideration of others. They’re DIY gift giving has even led to income-producing opportunities when others have seen their handcrafted products.
As a techie homeschool mom, I direct my kids to the great wide web for DIY gift ideas. And Pinterest and YouTube can be a maker’s best friend….or biggest frustration. You can spend hours finding the perfect idea, only to find the instructions are unclear. Or you can spend hours NOT finding the perfect idea because you are so overwhelmed by all the possibilities.
I’ve learned that having your homeschoolers take an online course to learn a craft is the way to go. Your kids are getting complete instruction by someone who knows what they are talking about (unlike the tween sitting in her bedroom on YouTube). And they are gaining experience with online courses, something they will most likely encounter in our techie future. [Related Post: Are You Homeschooling for the 21st Century?]
Check out these 50 online courses for DIY gift making.
Art + Design
Create Personalized Dishes
DIY Room Décor: Color-Blocked Bulletin Board
Altered Books: Book Boxes
Mixed Media on Wood
DIY Room Décor: Decoupaged Jewelry Holder
How to Make a Shadowbox Collage
Embroidery
Learn to Embroider
Design It, Stitch It: Hand Embroidery
Embroidering With Ribbon
Introduction to Cross-Stitch
Stitch It With Wool: Crewel Embroidery
Sewing + Fabric crafts
Learn the No-Sew Rag Rug Technique
Quick Quilted Gifts
Learn to Sew: Simple Bags
Project Upcycle
Appliqué Umbrella
Felt Flower Headband
Felt Puppet Avatars
Kids Sewing: Infinity Scarf
Simple Sewing Projects for Beginners
Box Zip Bags
Kids Sewing 101
Nature Pals
Jewelry
Jewelry Workshop: Bead, Wrap, Chain & Etch
Shrinky Dink Jewelry
Stitched Bracelets
Jewelry Making: Wire Wrapping for Beginners
Learn to Make Polymer Clay Jewelry
Paper + Wood
Make Paper Clay Christmas Ornaments
Money Origami Gifts
Woodworking Essentials: Benches & Boxes
Clothespin Dolls
Painted Wooden Centerpiece
Knitting + Crocheting
Learn to Crochet Easy Hats
Learn to Knit: My First Hat
Finger Knitting
Loom Knitting: Make a Hat
Yarn Birds
Crocheted & Embroidered Snowflakes
Learn to Knit It: Complete 7 Simple Projects
How to Knit Dishcloths
Crocheted Stones
Other Crafts
Handmade Holidays: 24 Quick & Easy Christmas Gifts & Decoration
DIY Holiday Projects
Kids Crafts with Maker Dad
Make Your Own Bath & Body Products
Candle Making for Beginners
DIY Electronics
Holiday Craft-Along: 30 Days of Cards, Tags and Packaging Ideas
Fun and Festive Surprise Balls
Any of these gifts would work well for a family holiday service project. Your family could knit hats for the homeless or make toys for children at a women's shelter. Learn more about creating a family tradition of generosity in the Christmas Traditions Online Unit Study.
So, my friend, what will your kids be creating?
CLICK HERE to find more fun homeschool holiday activities from iHomschool Network's “Cool and Amazing Homeschooling Ideas for Christmas.”
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