A gift giving guide for the creative child contributed by Colleen Hourigan
With the holidays just around the corner and the weather getting colder, getting creative is a great way to keep kids busy inside! This year, we are focused on gifts that kids will use more than just once. We have compiled a list of low cost, arts oriented stocking stuffers that can be reimagined over and over in new and exciting ways! Browse the list of creative types to find which one best fits your child and get inspired by our gift giving ideas.
Creative Writers
A simple yet extremely versatile gift is perfect for a child who best expresses themselves through words. Nothing is a better vehicle for creativity than a blank page! A whole notebook or journal of blank pages means endless possibilities for writing stories, songs, script ideas and so much more. Does your child struggle to get started? Consider this list of 55 free prompts to start each writing entry.
Artistic Creatives
There are TONS of options out there for different art kits and projects, but we encourage gifting your child different basic supplies and letting their imaginations drive their creations! Building your child’s collection of materials is the gift that keeps on giving, as they can continue to think up new ways to use them to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Looking for the lowest cost option? Our most popular supplies often go on clearance at craft stores after each holiday and are a great way to stock up on projects for the next year.
Some of our crafting staples at Kidstock are
Problem Solvers
There are so many options when it comes to small puzzles for all ages, not to mention all of the variations from your average jigsaw puzzle! If your child is ready to take the next step up in puzzle solving, consider a 3D puzzle or a blank puzzle where children can create their own. Puzzles are a great low cost gift that will develop critical thinking and problem solving skills in a fun and creative way. All puzzled out? Put one of those old jigsaws to use with one of these recycled puzzle ideas!
Detailed Makers
If your child is detail oriented and loves to create their own usable items, consider gifting them with sewing materials! There are many great kits designed specifically for young creators. With one of these kits, your child can make their own accessories, costume pieces and stuffed toys safely and without adult supervision.
Imaginative Storytellers
Puppets and dolls are a fantastic way to keep your child busy for hours indoors. Playing out different characters and stories helps kids with developing their social skills and imaginations both independently or with others. Consider steering away from the classic TV and movie characters and opt for more general dolls and puppets to encourage the creation of their own stories and characters. Some basic animal and human dolls/puppets will allow for endless possibilities when it comes to imaginative play. Having trouble thinking of new ideas? Use Scholastic’s free Story Starter’s wheel to help your child get their creative juices flowing.
Innovative Builders
Pre-designed block sets can be great for learning how to follow instructions or being used as an action figure or set piece for play, but consider giving your child an assortment of basic blocks this year. Instead of building a structure once without being able to modify what they built, children will have the opportunity to take apart their creation over and over to create something entirely new to play with to fit their narrative. Low on inspiration? Check out this pinterest collection we found with over 100 things you can make with simple, wooden blocks.
No matter the child’s age, each of these gifts give an opportunity to use their imagination. Did your child create something neat with a Kidstock-ing stuffer? We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] or post in the comments!
With the holidays just around the corner and the weather getting colder, getting creative is a great way to keep kids busy inside! This year, we are focused on gifts that kids will use more than just once. We have compiled a list of low cost, arts oriented stocking stuffers that can be reimagined over and over in new and exciting ways! Browse the list of creative types to find which one best fits your child and get inspired by our gift giving ideas.
Creative Writers
A simple yet extremely versatile gift is perfect for a child who best expresses themselves through words. Nothing is a better vehicle for creativity than a blank page! A whole notebook or journal of blank pages means endless possibilities for writing stories, songs, script ideas and so much more. Does your child struggle to get started? Consider this list of 55 free prompts to start each writing entry.
Artistic Creatives
There are TONS of options out there for different art kits and projects, but we encourage gifting your child different basic supplies and letting their imaginations drive their creations! Building your child’s collection of materials is the gift that keeps on giving, as they can continue to think up new ways to use them to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Looking for the lowest cost option? Our most popular supplies often go on clearance at craft stores after each holiday and are a great way to stock up on projects for the next year.
Some of our crafting staples at Kidstock are
- Colored Tissue Paper
- Popsicle sticks
- Pipe cleaners
- Colored/patterned paper
- Paints and brushes
- Foam
- Googly eyes
Problem Solvers
There are so many options when it comes to small puzzles for all ages, not to mention all of the variations from your average jigsaw puzzle! If your child is ready to take the next step up in puzzle solving, consider a 3D puzzle or a blank puzzle where children can create their own. Puzzles are a great low cost gift that will develop critical thinking and problem solving skills in a fun and creative way. All puzzled out? Put one of those old jigsaws to use with one of these recycled puzzle ideas!
Detailed Makers
If your child is detail oriented and loves to create their own usable items, consider gifting them with sewing materials! There are many great kits designed specifically for young creators. With one of these kits, your child can make their own accessories, costume pieces and stuffed toys safely and without adult supervision.
Imaginative Storytellers
Puppets and dolls are a fantastic way to keep your child busy for hours indoors. Playing out different characters and stories helps kids with developing their social skills and imaginations both independently or with others. Consider steering away from the classic TV and movie characters and opt for more general dolls and puppets to encourage the creation of their own stories and characters. Some basic animal and human dolls/puppets will allow for endless possibilities when it comes to imaginative play. Having trouble thinking of new ideas? Use Scholastic’s free Story Starter’s wheel to help your child get their creative juices flowing.
Innovative Builders
Pre-designed block sets can be great for learning how to follow instructions or being used as an action figure or set piece for play, but consider giving your child an assortment of basic blocks this year. Instead of building a structure once without being able to modify what they built, children will have the opportunity to take apart their creation over and over to create something entirely new to play with to fit their narrative. Low on inspiration? Check out this pinterest collection we found with over 100 things you can make with simple, wooden blocks.
No matter the child’s age, each of these gifts give an opportunity to use their imagination. Did your child create something neat with a Kidstock-ing stuffer? We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] or post in the comments!
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