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by Cindy 2 Comments

40+ Art and Handicraft Gifts That Kids Will Love

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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 Magic Screen Light Bright Bonus SetPLUS PLUS – Open Play Tube – 70 Piece Basic Color Mix – Construction Building STEM | STEAM Toy, Interlocking Mini Puzzle Blocks for KidsEdx Education Plastic Pattern Blocks - in Home Learning Manipulative for Early Geometry - Set of 250 - Shape Recognition, Symmetry, Patterning and Fractions - Ages 4+Coogam Wooden Geoboard Mathematical Manipulative Material Array Block Geo Board – Graphical Educational Toys with 30Pcs Pattern Cards and Latex Bands Shape STEM Puzzle Matrix 8x8 Brain Teaser for KidMagna-Tiles 48-Piece Clear Colors DELUXE Set, The Original, Award-Winning Magnetic Building Tiles for Kids, Creativity and Educational Building Toys for Children, STEM ApprovedMagneDotz Magnetic Balls 3 mm 1010 Pieces Magnet Ball Cube Fidget Gadget Toys Rare Earth Magnet Office Desk Toy Games Multicolor Beads Stress Relief Toys for Adults (Multicolor Edition)PicassoTiles 42 Piece Set Magnet Building Tiles 6 Different Shapes PT42CenturyX Wooden Rock Balance Blocks Set Balancing Stones Block Lightweight Natural Colored Stacking Game Educational Puzzle Toy (Colorful / 36pcs)Spirograph Original Fun Shapes SetObuby Kids Construction Fort Building Kit 120 Pieces Ultimate Forts Builder Gift Build Making Kits Toys for Boys and Girls to DIY Building Castles Tunnels Play Tent Rocket Tower Indoor & OutdoorChalktivity – Creativity in Action – Bouncing Chalk Dot with 3 Powdered Chalk PacksBristle Blocks by Battat – The Official Bristle Blocks – 113 Pieces in a Carry Case – Creativity Building Toys for Dexterity and Fine Motricity – Bpa Free 2 Years + (3101Z)Best Choice Products 97-Piece Kids Create Your Own Marble Maze Run Racetrack Puzzle Construction Game Set w/ 4 BallsScratch Paper Art Set, 100 Sheets Rainbow Magic Scratch Paper for Kids Black Scratch it Off Art Crafts Notes Boards Sheet with 10 Wooden Stylus, 4 Stencils and 2 Brush for Kids Christmas Birthday GiftSunCreations Cyanotype Paper, High Sensitivity Sunprint Nature Printing Paper,8.2'' x 11.4'' A4 18-Sheets Sun/Solar Activated (Mixed Colors)

 

  • 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!

Go Fish for Modern Artists Card GameBig G Creative Bob Ross: Happy Little Accidents GameJunk Art Plastic Board GamesBrainBox for Kids - Art Card GameDeluxe Games and Puzzles Cat STAX The Purrfect Puzzle _ with Purple Velveteen Drawstring PouchSpot-the-Difference Masterpieces: 40 Eye-Bending Fine-Art PuzzlesSeek & Find - Art Through the AgesEuroGraphics Artist Playing Cards Set - Impressionism and Fine Art Cards | 2 Decks with Over 100 Art Images from The Masterpieces Including Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Degas, and da VinciOld Masters Memory Game by Mieke Gerritzen (2015-09-01)Piatnik 7081Andy Warhol Memory GameBirdcage Press Impressionist Art GameThe Art Game: Artists' Trump CardsArt Pack Single Playing Card DeckProfessor Noggin's History of Art Trivia Card Game - an Educational Trivia Based Card Game for Kids - Trivia, True or False, & Multiple Choice - Ages 7+ - Contains 30 Trivia Cards

 

  • 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!

Exquiss Knitting Needles Set-18 Pairs 18 Sizes Bamboo Circular Knitting Needles with Colored Tube + 36 Pcs 18 Sizes Single Pointed Bamboo Knitting Needles 2.0 mm-10.0 mm + Weaving Tools Knitting KitsWeaving Loom with Stand 24Alex Artist Studio Easy Spin Pottery Wheel Kids Art and Craft ActivityWoolbuddy Needle Felting Starter Kit 16 Wool Colors, Felting Foam Mat, 6 Needles, 3 Thimbles, Instruction Book, Arts and Crafts, Easy for Beginners96pcs Wood Burning Kit, Professional Wood Burner Pen Tool, Creative Tool Set Adjustable Temperature WoodBurner for Embossing/Carving,Suitable for Beginners,Adults,KidsPP OPOUNT String Art Craft Kit Include 36 Colors Embroidery Threads, 200 Pieces Ball Head Pins, 2 Pieces Foam Boards and Accessories for Making DIY HandicraftsWhittling for Beginners Handbook: Starter Guide with  Easy Projects, Step by Step Instructions and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (DIY Series Book 3)PREMIUM Wood Carving Kit with 8 Piece Wood Carving Tools & 10 Wood Blocks for Kids and Adults, Wood Carving Set, Basswood Carving Kit, SK7 Carbon Steel Tools with wooden handleThe Ultimate Guide to Modern Calligraphy & Hand Lettering for Beginners: Learn to Letter: A Hand Lettering Workbook with Tips, Techniques, Practice Pages, and ProjectsZebra Zensations Calligraphy Pens – Full Set of 3-1.0mm, 2.0mm, 3.0mm – Black Ink3 Sets Beginner Embroidery kit with Pattern and Needle, Hand Stamped Embroidery Kits for Adults with Instructions Include Color Thread, Plastic Hoop & Cotton Fabric…Professional 16 Pieces Mosaic Tile and Stained Glass Start-up Tool Set with Carrying Case, Lead Came Kit for Beginner with Cutters, Pliers, Square, Hammer, FID, Safety Glass, etc.DINGPAI Candle Making Kit, DIY Candles Craft Tools,1pc Candle Make Pouring Pot,50pcs Candle Wicks, 50pcs Candle Wicks Sticker and 2pcs 3-Hole Candle Wicks Holder …Arnold Grummer Papermill Complete Papermaking Kit

 

  • 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!

Have so much fun and promote creativity with these art and handicraft gifts!

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Last Updated: November 18, 2020 Filed Under: Charlotte Mason, Creative Homeschooling, Elementary, Fine Arts, Middle School Tagged With: artist resources, gifts for kids, handicrafting

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  1. Ashley Wright says

    December 8, 2020 at 2:21 pm

    Amazing blog!!! Thanks for sharing it with us.

  2. Ashley Wright says

    December 8, 2020 at 2:29 pm

    Amazing blog!!! Thanks for sharing such amazing handcraft gifts with us.

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When my boys were little, I loved reading these “letters from God” to them as blessings to start the day.
As I was sorting bookshelves earlier this month, I stumbled across this sweet book again. I decided the blessings are still as pertinent today for my bigger boy as they were years ago. So, we’re starting our day yet again with a quick, but powerful “letter from God” before jumping into our daily Bible studies.
Do you do anything special to start your day off on the right foot? I’d love to hear about it!
Click the link in my bio for a link to the book.
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Winter homeschooling can be tough in normal years. Winter homeschooling can be tough in normal years. It’s cold, the days are dark, and everyone’s cooped up together 24/7. That’s a recipe for the winter blahs to march right into your house and wreak havoc on attitudes and motivation.⠀
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This year’s winter is unlike any other and those blahs may have actually settled in long before now. If you or your children are feeling down, anxious, or bored with school, are “at” each other constantly, bouncing off the walls, or tears and fighting are the norm…the blahs are there.⠀
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Let’s get you, your children, and your homeschool back on track. I’ll be teaching a Homeschool Masterclass on Thursday afternoon to help you kick the blahs to the curb. If you can attend live, come! If you can’t attend live, catch the replay!⠀
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We’ll tackle all sorts of problems the blahs bring with them with very practical  ideas that are easy to implement! ⠀
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Click the link in my bio to join me. There is no shame in admitting that the blahs have arrived and you need a little boost from a friend. ❤️ ⠀
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When the world seems to be falling apart around you, the sun never stops shining. The seasons never stop moving. Without a single, solitary effort of human hands, the woodlands still buzz with life.⠀
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A student of nature can see the consistency in cycles and notice the incredible and creative intricacy of even the smallest specimen and be in awe that we truly serve a God who isn’t unaware of even one tiny detail in our world right now. ⠀
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Breathe, friend. Take a nature walk today and let God speak to your soul.⠀
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It’s the principle of putting one foot in front of the other as you simply do the next right thing. Good books almost always can be a “next right thing” choice.⠀
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Even though I’m not homeschooling younger children anymore, I’ll probably never stop sharing wonderful picture book ideas with you. 🤓 I’ve spent way too many hours reading and collecting to ever stop loving them!⠀
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Click the link in my bio to find a blog post about these books + some of our favorite winter chapter books, too!⠀
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#homeschool #readmorebooks #livingbooks #livingliterature #picturebooks #winterpicturebooks #homeschoolmom #wildandfreefamily #charlottemasonirl #winterhomeschool #homeschoollookslikethis #thisishomeschool #winternaturestudy #nosweatnaturestudy #homeschool365 #ihsnet
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I love being auntie to a sweet baby again! 😍 I love being auntie to a sweet baby again! 😍
Merry Christmas from the Wests! 🎄 Merry Christmas from the Wests! 🎄
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When the kiddos were younger, I would sometimes wrap each of the books and place them in a basket near the Christmas tree. 🎁 Each morning during December, one of my children would choose a book to unwrap and that was the one we would read for the day. Oh, such precious memories!⠀
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