There's always so much left over from Christmas and it's a shame to waste all that good material when you can use it to keep your grandchildren entertained. For example, don't throw your Christmas cards away! Here are creative ways to use them to help them develop new skills and look forward to Christmas next year.
Make little Christmas boxesThese work particularly well as little gift boxes on a Christmas table, with a tiny present for each guest tucked inside. Or you could make 24 little boxes for an advent calendar for the kids, filling each box with chocolates.
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First, get an old greeting card.
Next, rip it in half at the fold. Using your ruler, make an "X" on the card by drawing two lines that cross at the center of the card. (see diagram). Fold the edges of all four sides of the paper over to the middle of the cross. (see diagram)
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Make a Christmas mobile
Cut shapes out of the cards in matching pairs. Hearts work nicely, as do simple Christmas tree shapes and even plain squares and circles. You may find some inspiration on our here. Stick the cards back to back and laminate them, then punch a hole in them and use to make a colourful and child-friendly mobile or “string” to decorate next year. You could add to this every year.
Make gift cards
A traditional activity, but one which never fails to amuse the kids, is making gift tags for next year's presents. Use pinking sheers, a hole punch, and leftover ribbon.
Make gift bags
Make gift bags for next year by saving retail paper bags. Cut shapes out of various cards and stick to the front of the bag (covering any shop labels if necessary). Add a little ribbon bow just above the card and wrap your present in tissue paper before putting it into the bag. These look particularly lovely with brown paper bags and tartan ribbons.
