quick clicks

babies today articles

babies today q&a

toddlers today articles

toddlers today q&a

breastfeed.com articles

breastfeed.com q&a

message boards

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Holiday Gifts Your Toddler Can Make

Festive Fun for the Whole Family

By Marie-Helen Goyetche

Choose a wallpaper sample and cover the container. Place a few polished stones at the bottom to add stability. Depending on who the container is for, you can add a few items in the container and wrap with clear wrapping paper. Ideas to consider: kitchen utensils, candles, combs, brushes, tools and, of course, pens and pencils.

You'll need:

• an clean, empty film container
• stickers
• coins

Have your child decorate the film container with stickers and fill it up with some coins. This makes a great gift idea for cousins, young friends or siblings over age 3.

You'll need:

• 1" paint brush
• non-toxic paint
• construction paper
• clear self-adhesive paper

Sit down with your child at the kitchen table. Paint your child's hand (palm to fingertips). Firmly place hand on construction paper to form a handprint. Make as many prints in as many colors as both of you desire, and let dry. Optional: use markers to add information about your child such as: name, date of birth and other facts you'd like to share. Let the paint dry and cover both sides of the construction paper with the clear self-adhesive paper. You can give a single placemat as a centerpiece or in a set of two, four or six.

If your child is enjoying the activity you can also hand print an apron, a tray, a plate, a book or a T-shirt.