Snowman Learning Activities for Kids – Lesson Plans

I started to call this post educational gifts to make for kids, but it’s really more about things that can help you and them express your creativity, explore the world and have fun together. These are great to make for your own kids for holidays and birthdays, or to make to give to other kids for their birthdays and special occasions. 

Story stones: I did a whole post on story stones not too long ago, so check that out if you need more ideas. You can make these general or choose a theme related to a holiday, an interest of the child or a favorite book.

Painted/decorated blocks: you could paint blocks in much the same ways as you do story stones to make a different way to tell stories, but here I’m more talking about painting blocks different colors or patterns like these pattern blocks from Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls. I also love these Olliblocks, which are printable, mix and match characters you glue to the sides of wooden blocks to make tons of combinations. I actually made these for my daughter and her classmates 13 years ago so there are lot more options now but they are still super cute. 

Homemade playdough kits: whether you make your own playdough or not, gathering up some fun accessories and tools to use with dough is a great way to make an easy and creative gift. Handmade Farmhouse has some great ideas for different themes and things you can put in your playdough kit. 

Small world play: likewise you can make a small world play kit full of little trinkets and play items on a theme. This can be a little harder when it’s not for your own child because you have to know they’re into it and what kind of theme they might like, but for kids who love small world play I think this is a great idea. You’ll need some kind of base like a piece of felt or fabric, some little toys and accessories. Check out this post on Miraculove for some ideas (though I might call these sensory boxes, either one is great). 

Exploration tools: most kids like to explore the world around them, and if you’ve got a nature lover (or someone who loves to solve mysteries) you can outfit them with a bag or backpack that includes things like a magnifying glass, journal, fun pen, old maps, etc. Check out this spy kit from The Crafting Chicks for more ideas.

Check out the kids craft section on Craftbits.com

You can even get extra fun out of this by making it a scavenger hunt, which I did with a dragon-themed gift for my kiddo years ago. Related: make a fort kit like this one from Pie Birds.

Reading pillow: I love to gift books, so it’s great to add a diy reading pillow like this one from Polka Dot Chair along with a book in the pocket or a gift card to your favorite bookstore.

Do you have go-to creative gift ideas for kids? I’m sure we’d all love to hear about them!