Homemade Gift Ideas for Christmas or Birthdays

I love receiving homemade gifts it makes the gifts more meaningful. Someone took their time to make a gift that came from the heart and the whole time they were making it they were thinking about you. Therefore since I love receiving homemade gifts or should I say hand crafted (anything not bought a chain store) I also love to give homemade gifts. I just told my husband we need to teach our kids that it doesn't matter where the gift came from it's the thought behind it. We would like to raise our kids to know that you don't have to have the best or most expensive items. We are wanting to try and teach the kids to give homemade/hand crafted gifts to their families and friends during the holidays. I am posting some links and pictures to go along with some of the items that we either made or are going to make for gifts. Once again remember *THESE ARE NOT MY PHOTOS OR MY CREATIONS*

OLLIBLOCKS & MORE

http://caravanshoppe.com/product/olliblocks/

Indoor Activities for the Exploring Kid

I love trying new things and getting my kids involved in as much exploration and dramatic play as possible. We are always looking for new things to get our hands and imaginations into. Check out these activities that I found while searching the internet for new ideas. *THESE ARE NOT MY OWN PICTURES OR MY CREATIONS*  I have posted the links to websites and blog where I found them.

FALL LEAF SUNCATCHERS

http://cuteandpeculiar.blogspot.com/2012/09/more-leaf-activties.html

MIRROR ART

http://www.mericherry.com/2014/02/10/mirror-art-activity-for-toddlers/

STORY BAGS

http://www.serendipityfromjewels.com/2011/02/story-bags.html

DANCING OOBLECK

http://www.housingaforest.com/dancing-oobleck/

EASY DIY GEOBOARDS

http://deceptivelyeducational.blogspot.com/2013/09/easy-diy-geoboard-and-lesson-in-polygons.html

BALLOON PING PONG

BOTTLE BOWLING

http://www.ucreatewithkids.com/2011/02/creative-guest-meet-dubiens.html

HUSH BOTTLES

http://www.inlieuofpreschool.com/hush-bottles-the-calm-down-solution/

BUBBLE REFILL STATION

Always Prepared Binder

I came across this neat binder as I was looking through another blog that I follow and I thought I'd share the link. I do not have one of these binders in my house but I am going to print these papers and start one of my own. You never know when you will need this info.

http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/2014/03/always-prepared-binder/