Small Memories

Sometimes children and even adults can overlook their good qualities. You can help people acknowledge their talents and good qualities with this simple activity.

The name of this activity could be changed to “You are special because…” to help children understand that everyone is special in their own way. If you are doing this for another adult, you will want to alter the container to make it more appropriate.

Here we are using the activity instead of giving Valentine’s Day cards but it’s a great little activity that can be used throughout the year. I even did this for my husband and just used his lunch box as the container.

You will need:

• 2 paper plates - I like the heavier ones with a lip on the edge.
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Stapler
• Stickers
• Pictures cut from magazines
• Items to decorate the container
• Glue, tape, or other “fasteners” (optional)
• Paper to write notes on
• Pen, pencil, or marker

Instructions:

Container

• Cut one paper plate in half.
• Put the the whole plate and the half plate together so that the “inside” of the plates are facing each other and a pocket is formed.
• Staple around the edges of the plates.
• Decorate with stickers, pictures, and/or arts & craft items.
• Hang on a door, refrigerator, or any place you’d like.
• Container Alternatives

Notes

Cut strips of paper all an equal size.Write why you like (love) the person on the strip.Add a completed strip to the pocket (container) each day for a week.You may choose do add several a day. If you’re doing this for another adult, you may like to hide these “love notes” in different areas of the house where they will be sure to see them.

You can download this pdf file for children and adults if you’d rather not write out your own notes. Just click to open and then print.

Download - Love Notes

Making wrapping paper with kids is an enjoyable activity to do with your kids. Here are a few activities to help you get started.

Tin Foil Wrapping Paper

Using tin foil as wrapping paper is a great idea. Take a gift and wrap it in aluminum foil, which you can purchase at any supermarket. You can decorate the wrapped gift in several ways. Attach a Christmas card or cut out pictures. Or gather together some Christmas stickers and place the stickers you have on the box.

 Fabric Wrapping Paper

If you are a crafter, you might have extra bits of fabric stored away.  Gift giving occasions are the perfect time to use up your extras. Just turn them into wrapping paper! This is ideal for a small gift. Simply place the gift in the middle of the fabric, pull the edges together at the top, and close with a ribbon.

Newspaper wrapping paper

The newspaper is filled with full color inserts and Christmas ads, which are usually two to four page store specials. The Sunday paper also usually contains comics, as well.

• Select some pages and pull them out.
• Take some scotch tape and tape the pages together so that you have enough paper to wrap the gift.
• Attach a bright ribbon to match the colors in the paper.

This is a unique and fun way to wrap a gift, and I am sure the recipient of this present will be delighted at your ingenuity and imaginative style.

Kid’s Artwork Wrapping Paper

Kids love to show off their artwork. Why not wrap the gift in plain newsprint or a paper bag and encourage your child to decorate it? Your child may be more excited about their artwork than presenting the gift itself. Simply present your child with the standard tools – crayons, markers, rubber stamps, stickers — and let them go crazy with it.

If you don’t have paper bags or newsprint, you can take the artwork that your children bring home from school to create gift wrap. Just make sure they don’t mind giving it away. Simply take several pieces of their existing art and help them use it to wrap the “special” gift.

To make the gift extra special, lay out the art so that it overlaps slightly and cover it with clear contact paper. Cut off any sticky edges and wrap the gift as normal. This is a great way to give Grandma and Grandpa two gifts in one.

While most people are deciding on what wrapping paper to buy, making wrapping paper with kids can be so much more enjoyable, and easy to do. Whether you use tin foil, ribbons, ornaments, drawings, or goodies. These original ideas will make gift wrapping a pleasure for you and your kids. You may even be starting a tradition that the kids will continue with their own children. Happy memory and paper making!