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Homemade Gifts for Kids

Free and Cheap Kids' Gifts

By Erin Huffstetler, About.com

Looking for clever – and affordable – gift ideas for kids? Then, skip the store, and try one of these homemade gift ideas:

1. Crayons

Homemade CrayonsErin Huffstetler
Have a bunch of crayon stubs that are too small for your kids to hold onto? Don't throw them out! Instead, recycle them into big, chunky crayons that are just the right size for little hands. Pair them with a coloring book, and you've got a complete gift for $1.

2. Denim Pocket Purse

Denim Pocket PurseErin Huffstetler
The back pockets are often the prettiest part of a pair of jeans, sporting intricate embroidery and sometimes even delicate sequins and beads. Use them to create a denim pocket purse for a lucky little girl.

3. Felt Board

Felt BoardErin Huffstetler
Felt boards sell for big bucks, but they don't cost much at all to make. Round up a bit of felt and cardboard, and create a homemade felt board in thirty minutes or less. You can even create a felt person that resembles the recipient – too fun!

4. Treasure Soap

Treasure SoapErin Huffstetler
Surprises are big fun when you're little. Hide a small trinket inside a bar of homemade treasure soap, and you've got a cheap and memorable gift that'll be fun to the last wash.

5. Popsicle Soap

Popsicle SoapErin Huffstetler
Popsicle-shaped soap is kid-cool and cheap too. Pick up a pound of glycerin soap, and melt your way to the perfect gift.

6. Denim Pocket Quilt

Denim Pocket QuiltErin Huffstetler
Turn your old jeans into a snuggly-warm denim pocket quilt for a special kiddo in your life. The pockets are perfect for stashing stuffed animals and all of those other kid treasures, and the price tag is pretty perfect too – just a $1 or two for thread.

7. Safety Pin Bracelet

Safety Pin BraceletErin Huffstetler
A bracelet made out of safety pins is just the thing for a budding fashionista – and budget-friendly to boot. Create one of these show-stoppers for $1 or less.

8. Sweater Mittens

Sweater MittensErin Huffstetler
Dig an old and seldom-worn sweater out of your closet, and turn it into a snuggly-warm pair of sweater mittens for a lucky little kiddo. Then, make a pair for yourself too – you'll have plenty of fabric to spare.

9. Jean Skirt

Jean SkirtErin Huffstetler
Transform a pair of holey jeans into a hip new jean skirt for a little girl or teen on your gift list. Estimated project cost: just over 50 cents.

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