I love to have kids explore their creative side and simultaneously help the environment. Green craft gifts are the best of both worlds. Not only are these crafts fun and easy for kids to make, they are also great homemade gifts to give away, no muss, no fuss, no waste.

Paperweight or doorstop

Any rock or stone can become a work of art in the hands of a child. If a paperweight is what you have in mind, find a rock about the size of your fist. If you are looking for a doorstop, go a little heavier. Have the kids decorate the rock with paint, markers, or googly eyes.

Bird bath or bird feeder

A clay pot and saucer can be found practically anywhere. To turn it into a bird bath or bird feeder, mount the saucer upside down on the bottom of the pot. Vary the size depending on the type of bird you would like to attract. Have kids decorate the pot with markers, paint, or decorative flowers.

 Pen holder

Tall, skinny containers can easily be converted into an attractive pen holder for someone’s desk. The heavier the container the better; you don’t want the weight of the pens to tip it over. Or you can have the kids weigh it down with marbles, sand, or small pebbles. Decorate with markers, paint, paper or material for a great object d’art.

 Soup in a jar

There are many variations on this easy and helpful gift. Cookies, brownies, and soups are just a few of the recipes that fit in a large mason jar. Have the kids carefully layer the dry ingredients to make a beautiful instant meal. Decorate the jar with paper materials or paint. And don’t forget to include the recipe!

Wind chimes

They are so easy to make, any kid can do it and any adult can appreciate it. Let the kids get really creative and find objects around the house and in the yard. Buttons, shells, small stones, and even washers can make beautiful wind chimes.

No matter what gift the children create, they will have as much fun making it as the receiver has getting it. Teach children to appreciate the value of creativity and effort instead of money and they and the Earth will thank you.

This guest post is by Christine Kane, a graduate of Communication and Journalism. She enjoys writing about a wide-variety of subjects including internet providers in my area for different blogs. She can be reached via email at: Christi.Kane00@gmail.com