‘Tis the season to give! And what better gift to give this year than something the kids have made!

Not only are homemade gifts the best (just ask any Grandparent, Auntie or Teacher) but they’re also the perfect way to keep the kids busy as they excitedly count down the days to Christmas.

In true Practically Family style, we’ve picked the best, easiest and most irresistibly cute gifts that you and the kids can make in a jiffy.

But don’t get your tinsel in a tangle! Making a homemade present doesn’t mean you’ve got to add more stress to an already busy season. If you want to save some pennies (or your sanity) on rainy afternoons when the kids are bored, then these 5 gorgeous hand-made gifts are purse friendly and full of Christmas cheer!

1. Beautiful Button Art

Cute as a button – make someone beam this Christmas with this super easy festive picture idea. All you need is an old photo frame, then using festive fabric or jolly Christmas wrapping paper, cover the backing board to create the background for your picture. Then using glue and buttons simply create your best button-tastic design. From a cheery Santa with a white button beard to a Christmas tree with button baubles, a festive “Ho, Ho, Ho” or colourful snowflakes, the options are endless.

2. Cute Christmas Coasters

Who wouldn’t love a Christmas coaster for their mulled wine or Christmas coffee? So, add this super easy and oh-so-useful gift to the kids to-make list!

You only need two things for this easy craft. Grab the Sharpies and some plain tiles (build in a quick visit to your local tile shop for a handful of free samples) and let the kids get creative. This might be low on prep but it’s certainly high on the “aww” factor.

3. Delightful DIY Christmas Decorations

Cute DIY Christmas decorations are timeless keepsakes the whole family will love. This is the perfect opportunity to include some festive fun that also flexes your little one’s fine motor skills! Using simple card, paper, paint and glue or using natural items you’ve found on winter walks (think twigs, and pinecones), set about creating decorations that’ll delight any lucky recipient!

We love wrapping coloured string or wool around cardboard shapes. Cut out stars, candy canes or stockings in different sizes then get your little ones to tightly wrap wool around the shape to create a colourful design. Secure tightly and add a hole and ribbon to hang proudly from the tree.

Turn toddler handprints into sweet festive ornaments either on card with colourful paint or in salt dough that you cook and paint afterwards. If you want something with a more rustic vibe create a decoration using twigs fixed into a star or tree shape and let your little one decorate with ribbon or glitter.

4. Jolly Christmas Cookie Jar

This easy-peasy edible gift is the perfect sweet treat for someone special. Collect a selection of empty jars and allow your little one to decorate with festive stickers or paint. Weigh out the ingredients for your favourite cookie or cake recipe and simply pop the dry ingredients in the jar. Print or write out the recipe and attach with a Christmas ribbon to the rim. It won’t include the egg or butter (obviously), but it will be filled with love.

5. Cheery Christmas Wreaths

Who doesn’t love a Festive door decoration? Christmas wreaths are easy to make and so much fun.

There are all sorts of wreaths kids can make from paper plates or card cut into a circle. Let your little one loose with glue, pom poms, ribbon or tissue paper to make their own festive design. For a wreath inspired by nature simply poke holes into the card or plate and let them fill the holes with Christmas tree cuttings, ivy, leaves, or other treasures they’ve collected from winter walks. Once they’ve finished, add some string and hang from the door of your choice. From festive front doors to bedroom door decorations to make everyone smile, this is one super easy craft the kids will love.

There’s a special magic in giving something homemade. Getting the kids involved in making gifts is a great way to spend an afternoon (or two) on the run up to Christmas! So, if you’ve got time, why not give one or two a try?