On the off possibility that anyone is still struggling to come up with a cute thank you gift for a teacher or a coach, a graduating babysitter, or even Father’s Day, consider spending some time on a craft. This is a great opportunity to teach your child that gifts of gratitude deserve a bit of extra time and thought.

I mentioned a few gift options to Miss Kindergarten weeks ago, but she didn’t seem too inspired by the many creative options available at FamilyFun.go.com. I was nearly desperate enough (and behind on my other duties enough) to consider the bland but effective gift card, when I was saved by a well-timed birthday present.

Miss Kindergarten received a much-sought-after sewing kit, adding to a hobby she and I began at Christmas. Minutes after opening it, she dashed off to get what has proven to be a very popular book. If your young one is interested in fashioning his or her own creations, check out Sewing School: 21 Projects Your Kids Will Love to Make by Amie Plumely.

Without prompting, Miss K found the perfect project. Cutie Coasters:

• cut out eight squares of fabric (using the pattern in the book or measuring 10 inch squares); consider using 2 coordinating fabrics for contrasting coasters
• whipstich (learned easily – even by a five-year-old – in one of the book’s earlier projects) the edges of two squares securely
• add four summer glasses, a pitcher, and or some assorted lemonade mixes and this is a great summer gift. Or swap out some mugs and cocoa and you’ll be set for Christmas.

Miss Kindergarten finished each square in about ten or fifteen minutes, so the time commitment was relatively small. She did run off to play at one point in the middle, but she came back to it when she was ready. As she sewed, we chatted about how wonderful her teacher was this year, how much she learned, and how good it feels to make something special for someone we care about.

I’m just not sure she’ll be able to wait for the last day of school (two days from now) to give her gift!

Tags: Craft

About Sarah

Sarah Aadland is striving to make family volunteering a meaningful habit for her family of five. Join the conversation as she ponders what they may (or may not have) learned and looks for helpful information about raising compassionate kids.Though she plans to one day put her Masters in Public Policy back to work for social justice, she sees family volunteering as a way to build a stronger community, a better world, and a more connected family. In addition to her children, Sarah tends a large garden, a small flock of chickens, and a habit of mindfulness amid the necessary rituals of parenting.

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