When you think back on the holiday season as a child, what do you think of first? Maybe you can see the sparkling lights on the tree or around your neighborhood. Or you might start craving those sugar cookies a relative or friend made every year. Or you may smile thinking of watching “Home Alone” while sipping on hot cocoa. But do you remember how much money your parents spent on your presents? How many gifts you received?
Many parents and caregivers feel pressure to spend a lot on gifts this time of year, even when money is tight. But children often remember how they felt during the holidays more than what they received. Celebrations do not need expensive gifts to feel special. A fun tradition, a handmade gift or time spent together can leave a lasting impression and grow your bond with your child. Luckily, you have plenty of time to create joyful memories while lessening the pressure to spend by focusing on creativity and connection.
Homemade and repurposed gifts offer something store-bought items often cannot. When you take time to craft something specific, it shows you really thought about the person receiving the gift. Here are some creative and inexpensive ways to show the people in your life how much you care about them.
Gifts of Creativity
- Encouragement Jar
Decorate a recycled jar and fill it with notes about favorite memories, encouraging words or things family members love about each other. Children can read the notes throughout the year whenever they need a reminder that they are loved. - Personalized Activity Kit
Use a shoebox, tote bag or container you already have at home. Fill it with crayons, coloring pages, craft supplies, recycled materials or small items connected to a child’s interests. You can even find coloring pages online to print for free at the library. A dinosaur-themed kit, art box or crafting kit can provide hours of fun. - Memory Ornaments
Create fun shapes with salt dough, cardboard or fabric scraps. Write the year and a favorite family memory on the back. Over time, these ornaments become keepsakes that tell the story of your family.
- Homemade Journal
Decorate a spiral or composition notebook to create a personalized journal where your child or teen can share their thoughts and ideas. - “Open When” Letters
Write letters for moments such as: Open when you need encouragement, feel stressed, need to laugh, are celebrating a success or need a reminder of how loved you are. Label each letter for when it should be opened and give them to your kid in a bundle, gift bag or basket.
Gifts That Create Lasting Memories
- Family Recipe Collection
Write favorite recipes on index cards and place them in a decorated box or binder. For young children, include recipes they can help prepare. For teens, include recipes to their favorite dinners or treats that they can continue using into adulthood. - Coupon Book
Make homemade coupons that children or teens can redeem for things like favorite meals, extra bedtime stories, game nights, late night snack run or a one-on-one outing that includes something they enjoy. - Treasure Hunt
Hide small notes around the house that lead to a special activity, favorite snack or family game night. The excitement often matters more than the final prize.
- Family Night Kit
Fill a basket with family favorites such as popcorn, candy, drinks, card games and blankets. For a movie night basket, include homemade movie tickets and let your kid pick the movie. - Self-care Basket
Create a basket using inexpensive or homemade items. Include favorite snacks, hot chocolate packets, fuzzy socks, lip balm, a journal, face masks and encouraging notes. You can even include a note offering to give them a foot rub or paint their nails.
Thrifty Gifts
- Tie Blankets and Pillowcases
Use old t-shirts or larger pieces of fabric to make a special blanket or pillowcase. These can be made with clothing that’s no longer wearable or other fabric scraps you may have around. - Storybook
Wrap a gently used book and include a handwritten note explaining why you chose it. Find a used book store or go to your local library when they host book sales throughout the year. Add some creativity by crafting a handmade bookmark to go with the book. - Scrapbook Photo Album
Use a notebook, index cards or copy paper in a binder to paste on copies of printed family photos. Decorate the spaces around the photos with handwritten captions, stickers or hand-drawn art.
- Dress-Up Kit
Repurpose household materials like old scarves, fabric remnants, costume jewelry, and t-shirts for dress-up clothes. Use cardboard or paper materials to make accessories like crowns or shields. Children often enjoy imaginative play more than expensive toys. - Inspiration Board
Gather poster board or cardboard, old magazines, markers, glue sticks, markers, colorful paper scraps and stickers. Encourage your kid or teen to create a vision board highlighting their goals, favorite quotes and dreams.
Why It Matters
Financial stress can take a toll on families, especially during the holidays. Choosing low-cost or homemade gifts can help relieve some of that pressure. More importantly, it can help families focus on what children need most: love, connection and a sense of belonging. Children don’t need perfect holidays. They need moments that make them feel special. A handwritten note, a shared tradition or an afternoon spent creating something together can have a lasting impact.
At Kansas Children’s Service League (KCSL), we believe prevention starts with connection. When families spend time together, share traditions and create meaningful memories, they build relationships that support children long after the holidays are over. Plus, this is a great opportunity to encourage your kid to make gifts for others, too. Take this time to teach them gratitude, creativity and generosity while creating positive family memories. Whatever you do this season, remember that it’s far more valuable to spend your time, care and love instead of your money.
