When it comes to children’s toys I spend a lot of time trying to work out what toy won’t end up abandoned by the end of Christmas Day. I find that a big winner with children are arts and crafts. It would seem that although children have many options when it comes to toys the Blue Peter ‘you can make this at home’ idea is still as popular as ever. Arts and Crafts not only make good Christmas Presents they are also great to occupy the little ones during all holiday times.
I still have an aversion to paint especially with a 3 and 5 year olds at home, but I have to say as long as you keep a watchful eye something which has the potential to be fraught can change into something enjoyable for all of you. Metallic and glitter paints are especially effective at creating sparkle that children love. I always have a good supply of coloured tissue paper at home as I find this a great way of making pretty pictures. It can keep the little darlings busy for ages sticking little pieces of tissue paper on a picture with beautiful results. A bumper pack of tissue paper doesn’t cost much and will last for ages, just add print stick or PVA glue. I find creating a picture keeps their interest the most as it provides a goal to work towards which they seem to enjoy.
Feather’s, buttons, stickers and coloured lollipops make excellent decorations especially when creating borders for a picture.
Coloured card and coloured paper create beautiful backgrounds and are useful for pre-cutting shapes. Although I tend to avoid the craft multipacks (there are only so many googly eyes you need) if they are cheap they are worth buying as they provide lots to play with although don’t give them the all the pack at once! Try and order on line as cheaply as possible, don’t leave it to the last minute and pay too much. If you have left it late the pound shops can have enough of a range to get you started.
Amazon Arts and Crafts Pack
If you need inspiration, there are wealth of online resources to search through. I would suggest you choose the theme and then look for a design. A picture related to a book is great way of sparking a child’s interest beyond the book itself. For a young child this giant peach would be a practical way of bringing a book such as ‘James and the Gaint Peach’ to life.
http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/giant-peach-craft
For an old child models are a great idea. This model aquarium will be lots of fun to make and you can find images of octopuses, jelly fish or sea horses to put in.
Children’s Craft Project – Aquarium
There are vast amounts of inspirational craft projects online. Why don’t you make one and post it – the children will be thrilled whether it is Christmas or any holiday time.
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