Homemade Holiday Gifts

The very idea of giving homemade gifts warms our hearts, but sometimes we need a little help getting organized.

A number of local art and craft-related businesses are offering fantastic classes that not only provide a fun, seasonal activity for kids, but they result in a one-of-a-kind gift to give a loved one—especially the kind of loved ones who have everything (we’re lookin’ at you, Nana!).

For something totally new and unexpected, grab a group of friends and reserve a private ‘blow your own ornament’ party at Flo Glassblowing. Even little kids can blow hot, molten glass (frankly, it’s amazing) and create stunning glass spheres. It’s totally safe, and after a time in a special kiln, a glass ball will be ready for pick up.

4Cats Arts Studio is a really fun and creative environment for ‘arting’ around. They have some great workshops coming up, several of which accommodate little ones as young as three. Make an ornament, snow globe, clay snowman, or paint a self-portrait.

If fabric art is more your thing, just down the street at Wabi Sabi, your child can do some needle felting or make a pompom scarf (the gift of warmth is the gift that keeps on giving).

Paint-It-Yourself ceramic cafes are also a great place to create personalized gifts. Gotta Paint has some Customer Appreciation Days coming up. Ceramic pieces will be 50% off on December 10. Reservations are recommended.

Edible gifts are a marvelous treat too! (And they don’t take up space or require regular dusting.) Starting this month, President’s Choice Cooking School is hosting holiday-related cooking classes. Edible Christmas Decorations? Sign us up!

Whatever special gift your child chooses to create, we’re sure that it’ll be appreciated forever. Handmade from the heart? That’s how to warm Nana’s cockles. Tested by Andrea T., Ottawa