Picture Frames

• A hand-decorated picture frame makes for a meaningful, memorable gift. Have your child choose a photo of himself that he likes, such as a recent school photo or family portrait. He could also find a picture of himself with the recipient. All craft stores will carry simple unfinished wooden frames that are ideal for use with white glue or glue guns. Glitter, colored paper cut-outs, seashells and beads all make for eye-catching decorations.
  
  

Potpourri

• Though potpourri can be quite pricey in the store, it's surprisingly easy to make. Dried flower petals, cinnamon sticks, star anise and dried herbs all make for good potpourri ingredients. You can also dry fruit, such as apples or oranges, by placing thin slices on a baking tray and putting them in a low-temperature oven for a few hours. When your child has found a mix of scents that she likes, bundle them up in a mesh or cheesecloth bag, and tie it off with a bit of festive ribbon.
  
  

Edibles

• Whipping up a batch of tasty cookies with your child is an easy, fun activity. Pick a simple recipe, such as sugar cookies, gingerbread men or marshmallow fudge. Feel free to get creative with decorations, such as sprinkles or colored frosting. Once your culinary creation is complete, place the goodies on a plate and wrap it up with some red or green plastic wrap. Your child can also make custom labels for her homemade cookie packages.
  
  

Ornaments

• You don't have to use fancy materials to make Christmas tree ornaments. You can cut cardboard and colored paper into a variety of shapes and paint them with holiday decor. Use a hole punch to make a hole for a bit of ribbon or twine in the top of the ornament as a hanger. Older kids can experiment with materials such as Styrofoam, which makes for good snowmen, pipe cleaners and glue guns.