Time and again, research and anecdotal evidence have proven that creativity is as vital a trait as resilience or wit. Often creativity can be considered a skill, but it’s such a broad concept that it is difficult to explain just how to practice such a skill. This list of art and handicraft gifts will help!
Creativity can be applied to problem solving, writing, play, the creation of something beautiful, and many other areas of life. So how does a parent help their child to strengthen their creative skills when creativity can be considered essential for such a broad range of subjects? Some of the best ways, I’ve found, is through open-ended play, art appreciation, and the inclusion of handicrafts.
Art and Handicraft Gifts for Kids
Creativity and appreciation for the arts aren’t a specific muscle that can be worked, so it can take some creativity on our own parts to find ways to help our children stretch and grow. Fortunately, I’ve gathered together a list of toys, games, and tools that encourage open-ended creativity, appreciation of the arts, and really fun handicrafts. Each of these fun items can be enjoyed over and over without countless different outcome, promising creativity and enjoyment for years to come!
Toys to Inspire Creativity
Open-ended toys are some of the best investments to make in your child’s play. Not only can they be reused and enjoyed through multiple years and siblings, they don’t confine a child’s imagination or play. A stack of blocks or a set of magnets allow for the creation of just about anything and gives your kiddos the freedom to play without the pressure of checking off boxes. Whether played with alone or cooperatively, they can be enjoyed for hours with a different outcome each time. Choose any of these toys – or several! – and watch your child’s imagination and confidence grow!
- Lite Brite
- Plus Plus
- Pattern blocks
- Geoboard
- Magnatiles
- Mini magnet balls
- Picasso tiles
- Wooden balance rocks
- Spirograph
- Fort building kit
- Chalktivity
- Bristle Blocks
- Make your own marble maze
- Scratch art paper
- Sun print paper
Games to Build Art Appreciation
A lot of people can name two or three famous artists, maybe even a few great works of art, but true art appreciation calls for more than just memorizing a few names and titles. Taking the time to really consider a piece of art, to dive into the history of the artist and the context of their creations, forms a deeper understanding and appreciation of the arts.
Museums and works aren’t always accessible, however, so the opportunity to view and ponder pieces isn’t one that presents itself easily. These games include famous works, interesting facts, historical context, and even creative play to help a child build a strong appreciation for art from multiple angles. The moving paintings, interesting artists, trivia, creating, and element of competition all come together for a winning combination of art and fun that will have your learners begging to learn more!
- Modern Artist go fish
- Happy Little Accidents game
- Junk Art game
- Brain Box: Art
- CatStax
- Spot the Difference Masterpieces
- Seek and Find – Art Through the Ages
- Fine art playing cards
- Old Masters memory game
- Impressionist memory game
- Andy Warhol memory game
- The Impressionist Art Game
- The Art Game: Artist’s Trump Card
- Art playing card deck
- Professor Noggins art history
Handicrafts That Kids Love
One of the most beautiful (and practical) tenets of Charlotte Mason homeschooling is the inclusion and practice of handicrafts. The skills and gifts that my children have been able to grow in are priceless, and it always saddens me a little that generations of children aren’t given the same time, freedom, or opportunities to explore these for themselves.
The skills learned from creating something are not only practical, they’re lessons that form powerful connections and build confidence in a child’s own abilities. Having an end result to enjoy is incredibly rewarding and encouraging, as well. Handicrafts can encompass any number of skills, but I’m sharing some fantastic tools and kits to get your kiddos excited about creating!
- Knitting set
- Weaving loom
- Pottery wheel and clay
- Wool needle felting kit
- Wood burning set
- String art
- Whittling project book
- Wood carving kit
- Hand lettering book
- Calligraphy pens
- Embroidery starter kit
- Mosaic tile and stained glass start up tool set
- Candle making kit
- Paper making kit
Art and Handicraft Gifts Make Learning Fun
Creativity is a lifelong skill that will never be wasted when practiced. Whether you end up with a drawer full of crocheted potholders or your child writes a bestselling novel, you are guaranteed to see the fruits of the creativity seeds you plant through handicrafts and play. These toys and games are fantastic starting points for even the most reluctant of kiddos to build their creative and artistic skills and are sure to be incredible investments into your homeschool!
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