Lockdown may have you separated from your loved ones, but that doesn't mean that you can't still share the love.
There are so many thoughtful, easy to make gifts that your kids will love to create - and that will certainly put a smile on the faces of grandparents, friends, and other family members. Here are eleven homemade gift ideas that you can leave on someone's doorstep!
Rainbow Bracelets
If your little ones had fun painting a rainbow for your window, then they'll love making these beaded rainbow bracelets to show their support for the NHS - a great gift for friends and family.
You'll need some thick string or yarn, and some coloured beads - ideally red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and, purple. Thread these colours repeatedly onto your string, knot them together at the end, and you've got yourself a gorgeous gift to give!
Colourful Bath Bombs
In a time of so much uncertainty, a bath bomb to help family and friends relax and unwind is the perfect gift, and so easy for kids to make. Check out the super simple tutorial below to see how you can make them at home!
Framed Family Handprint
There's nothing a grandparent would cherish more than a beautiful set of colourful handprints that they can keep for years to come.
All you need is a piece of white paper, some paint, and a photo frame. Pick a colour of paint for yourself and each of your kids, cover your hand in it, and gently take turns pressing them onto the paper - side by side.
You can then carefully write each of your names underneath the prints, allow everything to dry, and frame it.
Painted Mugs
Everyone loves a cup of tea or coffee, so why not let your kids go wild decorating some mugs?
If you can't find any plain white mugs in the supermarket, you can order a set of six mini ones online here for less than £5! Your kids will have so much fun painting their own designs and patterns onto them, and once they're done they'll really make for a great gift.
Tasty Treats
Sometimes the best homemade gifts are ones that go straight into your tummy.
There are so many different ideas for treats to make, so think carefully about what your family and friends love the most - whether that be cookies, cupcakes, pastries, or something else. You can take a look at our recommended step by step baking recipes here for some inspo!
Decorated Photo Frames
Your family may not have seen your faces in a while, so what could be better than a personalised photo frame with a picture of your little ones inside?
Don't have any photo frames to spare? Not to worry - there are plenty that you can order online from Amazon or eBay for very low prices. You and the kids can then decorate your frames with whatever you like. If you're stuck for ideas, why not try painting, glitter, seashells, pom-poms, beads, or even dried pasta?
Felt Flowers
A bouquet of flowers that will never die? This homemade gift is so easy to make and kids will have so much fun doing it.
To do this you'll need some coloured felt sheets, some mini pom-poms, and some wooden skewers. Begin by sketching out several different flower shapes on the felt and cutting these out.
Glue a pom-pom onto the middle of each one, and then gently pierce the felt from the bottom with a skewer stick - you'll need a blob of glue on the tip of the stick to hold these in place. Allow these to dry - and you've got a beautiful set of flowers.
Personalised Bead Necklaces
Easy to do and a great gift to give, kids can make these beaded necklaces for all of their friends and family members.
Much like the bracelets that we suggested earlier on in this list, you'll need some thick string and beads - but this time why not include some lettered beads? The kids will have so much fun spelling out friends and family members names - and it'll make for such a special gift.
Watercolour Painting
Simple, special and easy for even the littlest of kids to do - these homemade paintings will put a smile on anyone's faces and make for a great gift.
All you'll need to do is either sketch out or print off a template for your little ones to paint (we'd recommend flowers, hearts, stars, or animals) and using a set of watercolour paints - design your very own special piece of art.
You could even get the kids to write their own sweet message at the bottom of the painting before you drop it off as a gift!
Bath Salts
Bath salts not only help to reduce stress, but they also help with your sleep and soften your skin - a great gift for friends and family. They're also pretty simple to make!
All you'll need is some Epsom salt, food colouring (colour of your choice), and essential oil (scent of your choice). Place your Epsom salt into a large mixing bowl, add a drop of food colouring, and give it a good mix.
Do the same with your essential oil - and there you have it! You can divide the mixture into jars - all ready to give as a gift.
Homemade Chocolates
Treat your loved ones to these gourmet homemade chocolate boxes.
This may sound difficult, but it's actually something that kids can make almost entirely alone. All you'll need is a chocolate mould (or an ice cube tray), some melted milk, white, or dark chocolate (or all three!)
and either some nuts, dried fruit, or whatever else you'd like to put inside your chocolates.
Place your fillings inside each of the slots on the mould or tray, and then gently pour melted chocolate on top. Allow these to completely set in the fridge, pop them out of their moulds - and wow at your creation.
(Tip: If you wanted to go one step further, you could even make and decorate your own chocolate boxes just to make the gift that little bit more special!)
We Want Your Photos!
Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
Rachel GarnerBachelor of Arts specializing in Journalism
Growing up in Switzerland, Rachel developed a love for exploring new places and trying new foods. She has a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of the Arts London. She currently resides in Northwest London and enjoys discovering trendy spots around the city. Rachel is also passionate about planning fun activities for her family, particularly her little cousins. When she has some downtime, she can be found indulging in hobbies such as attending concerts, baking, or visiting her family in Essex. Her love for travel takes her beyond the UK, where she meticulously plans and researches each adventure before setting off to explore new places across Europe and beyond.
1) Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the Buy Now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published but we cannot guarantee that on the time of reading. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
2) At Kidadl, we strive to recommend the very best activities and events. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
3) Because we are an educational resource, we have quotes and facts about a range of historical and modern figures. We do not endorse the actions of or rhetoric of all the people included in these collections, but we think they are important for growing minds to learn about under the guidance of parents or guardians.