You do not need a new craft kit or a picture-perfect result. Choose one project, put out a few supplies, and let the making be the fun.

01Set out a few supplies
02Let little hands explore
03Help with the tricky bits
04Celebrate & tidy
The grown-up does the cutting and setup; the child gets to make it their own.
For little makers: stay beside your child. Use age-labeled materials; adults handle scissors, tape, glue, and loose pieces. Skip glitter, beads, buttons, small pom-poms, and edible-looking craft dough for toddlers. If your child mouths supplies, choose a large-paper scribble activity and keep all pieces in the adult’s hands.
15 minutes · Adult + toddler

The thank-you tree

Gather: A sheet of paper, large paper leaf shapes, age-labeled crayons, a glue stick used by the adult.

  1. Grown-up: draw a trunk and cut a few large leaves before inviting your child over.
  2. Child: scribble on a leaf. Ask, “Who or what made you smile today?” Accept a word, gesture, or happy memory.
  3. Grown-up: write their thought on the leaf. Help place it on the tree.
  4. Add one leaf at a time over the week. Stop whenever your child is done.

Make it simpler: For a one-year-old, make a two-minute scribble together while you describe one thing you appreciate. The adult handles every loose piece.

Finish up: Display it out of reach; take a photo for your own family if you want a keepsake.

10 minutes · Almost no setup

Little-artist gift wrap

Gather: Plain paper, age-labeled chunky crayons, one gift box.

  1. Tape a large sheet of plain paper flat on the table before starting.
  2. Invite big loops, lines, and happy scribbles. A grown-up holds the paper still.
  3. Let your child choose which part will go on the front.
  4. Grown-up: wrap the gift and add a handwritten label.

Make it simpler: Skip wrapping a box. Fold the decorated sheet into a card.

Finish up: Put crayons away, collect every tape scrap, and skip ribbons or cords around young children.

15 minutes · Adult builds, child chooses

The family kindness chain

Gather: Large paper strips, a pen, tape for adult use.

  1. Choose three tiny kind things: say thank you, call a relative, or help put a book away.
  2. Let your child decorate the strips. Write one kind action on each.
  3. Grown-up: form each strip into a loop and join the loops with tape.
  4. Pick an action together. Keep the chain as a reminder; it is not a reward chart.

Make it simpler: Use three flat paper cards instead of loops for a child who mouths paper.

Finish up: Hang out of reach, away from the crib or bed. No staples, beads, bells, or glitter.

10 minutes · A gift that costs almost nothing

A you-made-my-day card

Gather: Folded paper, a crayon, an envelope if you have one.

  1. Ask who helped your family recently: a neighbor, friend, teacher, or grandparent.
  2. Invite your child to draw anything they like on the front.
  3. Write a specific sentence inside: “Thank you for bringing us dinner. It helped us rest.”
  4. Let a grown-up arrange delivery. Your child can help carry the card.

Make it simpler: A scribble and a dictated thank-you are a complete card.

Finish up: Keep addresses private; do not post a photo showing the envelope online.

FROM OUR FAMILY OF SITES

A little wish.
A whole lot of wonder.

Make room for the fun part of the holidays. Browse MyWishbook, explore stories, and find something to play together.

Open MyWishbook ↗Explore the activities ↗

Make a tiny tradition

  1. Browse a few gift ideas together.
  2. Let a grown-up manage the wish list.
  3. Choose a story or activity.
  4. Come back for another little moment.

MyWishbook is part of the same creator’s family of websites. Parent controls and available features are explained there.

Sources & further reading

Reviewed November 1, 2026. Product details and app controls can change.