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Playspaces and Activities for Gift Giving

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Not everyone has enough space to create a permanent art and craft space. A designated area that offers space to paint, draw, stick and wrap can be as simple as pushing two large tables together that provide plenty of space for children to create.

Written by: Early Educational Advisor - Jo Harris  

Celebrations are often marked with gift-giving between members of the many communities we belong to. Within the first few years of their lives, precious keepsakes are often created by children for their families, which are given to them throughout the years to be lovingly treasured.

Gifts that warm are those made from the heart

Handmade gifts allow children to stamp their personality and creativity upon their creations, showing their unique way of being in the world. The effort they put in will be remembered, especially as children grow and become more adept at utilising different tools and materials. 

It is not always necessary to purchase many items to make a significant impact. Instead, consider giving children a selection of key resources helps to create gifts that reflect their personality and style.

Offer spaces to create that meet children’s developmental needs

Not everyone has enough space to create a permanent art and craft space. A designated area that offers space to paint, draw, stick and wrap can be as simple as pushing two large tables together that provide plenty of space for children to create.

Adding a range of different materials laid out on display allows children the chance to choose and experiment with those they like and to express themselves in their creations individually.

Not all children like to create in the same way. Some children may like to sit, while others prefer to stand to thread or glue their creations. Reminding children to take a break and return to their activity later is also a good option to encourage genuine participation.

Selecting a Christmas Calico Bag Activity Pack provides enough resources for 30 children to create their individual pieces and is easy to set up wherever you like.

Explore the spirit of Giving through Celebration

To maximise participation and inclusion, encourage the spirit of celebration by considering the whole learning environment throughout the year. Adding some artificial tealights to a dramatic play area or during rest time can create an ambiance and generate conversations about celebrations like Diwali or Hannukah. 

Older children may like to reuse some art creations, including painting and drawing, to enhance their learning spaces. Documenting their thoughts and adding their musings to artwork gives it an extra personal touch and captures thinking at a moment for reflection.

Wrapping paper can be styled using either children’s handprints or stampers to enhance a handmade gift. For some children, it is easier to manage with a large piece of paper attached to the easel so they can stamp directly onto the page. Alternatively, a group of children can stamp directly onto a tabletop covered with paper which they can walk around before the completed paper is cut into smaller sheets.

Threading activities such as Tree Ornament, Beaded Candy Cane, or Bell Shakers can support children’s creativity and imagination as they select beads to adorn the pipe cleaner with and shape into a customised bracelet or necklace. Where possible, attach a photo of a child during the process to emphasise the love and effort they have put into their gift for the recipient to enjoy!

To shop these ideas and to discover more Christmas Craft inspiration Catalogue, please visit Bellbird.com.au

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