Dec 16, 2024

Free Homeschool Lessons: The History and Art of Gift Giving

blog · free · Holidays · Homeschool Tips
Shea Park
Homeschool blog history of Christmas and gift giving

🎁  Free Lesson Worksheets - below.  🎁

History and Art of Gift-Giving & Making.

Ideas and Tips for All Ages.

Gift-giving is a timeless tradition that connects hearts and cultures across the globe. This season offers a chance to teach kids—and remind ourselves—that the best gifts come from the heart. Whether handmade or thoughtfully chosen, every gift creates cherished memories and meaningful connections.

In this post, we’ll dive into the history and art of gift-giving, explore DIY gift-making ideas, and share tips for inspiring kids to create meaningful and handmade keepsakes. And grab a Free Holiday Worksheet — at the end.   

Bit of Gift-Giving History

Gift-giving has been a part of human culture for centuries. In Ancient Rome, the Festival of Saturnalia included the exchange of small gifts like candles to symbolize light in dark times. Across the globe, gift-giving traditions reflect the values of each culture—gratitude, connection, and celebration.

Fun Call-Out: Did you know? In Japan, wrapping a gift beautifully is as important as the gift itself. This practice, called Tsutsumi, reflects care and thoughtfulness 

 

 Gift-Giving Around the World

Exploring how different cultures celebrate the holidays can be a fun and educational activity:

  • Mexico: Las Posadas is a nine-day celebration reenacting Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter, ending with festive gatherings that include food, music, and piñatas.
  • Japan: During Oseibo in December, gifts are exchanged to express gratitude and strengthen relationships, with a strong emphasis on beautiful presentations.
  • France: Christmas gifts are exchanged on le RĂ©veillon (Christmas Eve) or Epiphany, with children leaving shoes for PĂšre NoĂ«l to fill with small treats, reflecting charm and simplicity.
  • Chile: In Chile, La Noche Buena on Christmas Eve includes a late dinner and the opening of thoughtful gifts at midnight, focusing on family togetherness.
  • Holland (The Netherlands): On Sinterklaasavond (December 5th), children leave shoes with hay for Sinterklaas’ horse and receive gifts, often with humorous rhyming poems.
  • Jewish Tradition: During Hanukkah, gifts are exchanged over eight nights, traditionally small tokens like gelt (chocolate coins), emphasizing faith and family joy.
  • Switzerland: In Switzerland, small gifts are exchanged on Christmas Eve alongside candlelit celebrations, Advent traditions, and songs that highlight togetherness.
Encourage students to compare these traditions and reflect on the values they emphasize, like thoughtfulness, humor, or family connection.

     The Tradition of Boxing Day in the UK
    Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26th originates back to the 19th century during the Victorian era. Today, Boxing Day is a public holiday in the UK, Ireland, Canada, and other Commonwealth nations. It remains a time for giving to charity and spending time with loved ones. People often enjoy festive meals, participate in outdoor activities, and community events, or watch sporting events. 

    Sourced from several authority sites: Encyclopedia Britannica & History.com

     

    Encouraging Kids to Create Gifts

    The Joy of Crafting Together

    Watching kids build their homemade gifts is gratifying. Crafting gifts together can create lasting memories for all. With this simple activity, creativity is encouraged, and a generous spirit is rewarded.

    Try these kid-friendly ideas:

    • Beeswax Candles: Simple, fun, and practical!
    • Photo Ornaments: Turn cherished memories into keepsakes.
    • Storybooks or Poems: Kids can write a story or poem for someone they love. 

    Check out Story Mii, a story writing app coming soon to the Club! 

    Get a Free Activity Book! 

     Older kids might enjoy advanced crafts like crocheting, painting, or woodworking to explore their creativity. If they’re heart is set on a store-bought gift, consider starting a family savings jar, where everyone can contribute and save. This activity fosters teamwork, responsibility, and an appreciation for thoughtful giving. Turn a shopping trip into a festive outing and make the experience just as meaningful as the gift itself.

    Shared Experience Gifts: Gifts of Service from the Heart

    Gifts don’t have to be physical to be meaningful. Brainstorm with your kids to create non-material gifts like:

    • A “help coupon” book with offers to help clean, cook, or read together.
    • A shared experience, like going on a nature walk or baking cookies together.

    Fun Call-Out: Did you know? The idea of gifting experiences and outings instead of material items is gaining popularity worldwide—it’s about creating memories that last longer than things. 

    IDEAS BY AGE GROUP 

    DIY Gift Ideas for Younger Kids (Ages 6-10):

    1. Handprint Art Keepsakes
      • Create handprint artwork on canvases, ornaments, or cards. Add a sweet message like “Made with love by little hands.”
    2. Salt Dough Ornaments
      • Mix flour, salt, and water to create a dough. Kids can shape it, bake it, and paint it into ornaments or keepsakes.
    3. Custom Bookmark
      • Use cardstock or craft foam to create bookmarks decorated with drawings, stickers, or their favorite quotes. Laminate for durability.
    4. “What I Love About You” Jar
      • Write notes or draw small pictures of things they love about the recipient on slips of paper. Decorate a jar to hold them.

    DIY Gift Ideas for Preteens (Ages 11-13):

    1. Personalized Photo Frames
      • Use inexpensive wooden frames and decorate with paint, glitter, or pressed flowers. Insert a family photo or artwork.
    2. Homemade Lip Balm or Lotions
      • Melt beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter, and pour into small containers. Add essential oil for scent. (Great Recipe HERE)
    3. Recipe in a Jar
      • Layer dry ingredients for cookies, brownies, or hot cocoa in a mason jar. Add a handwritten recipe tag and ribbon for a thoughtful, practical gift. Create cute gift label. 
    4. Mini Scrapbook or Memory Book
      • Compile favorite family photos, notes, or small mementos into a small scrapbook. Use colorful paper and stickers for decoration.

    DIY Gift Ideas for Teens (Ages 14-18):

    1. Painted Ceramic Mugs
      • Use special ceramic paint or markers to design a mug. Bake in the oven to set the design, creating a durable and custom gift.
    2. Hand-Poured Candles
      • Melt wax and pour it into small jars with wicks. Add scents like lavender or cinnamon, and decorate the jar with ribbon or tags.
    3. Customized Tote Bags
      • Use fabric paint or iron-on designs to personalize tote bags with art, quotes, or family names.
    4. Knitted or Crocheted Gifts
      • Make scarves, potholders, beanies, or couch blankets using basic knitting or crochet techniques.  
    5. Pressed Flower Art
      • Press and dry flowers, then arrange them in patterns on cardstock or frame them for a beautiful, nature-inspired gift
    These thoughtful, handmade gifts are perfect for cozy winter days and show the care behind the craft.

      Family-Focused Gifts (All Ages):

      1. Family Recipe Book
        • Collect family recipes, write them by hand, or type and decorate pages. Bind into a book for a sentimental and functional gift.
        • “Include handwritten notes about why the recipe is special or a story about when it was first made.”
      2. Custom Calendar
        • Design a calendar with family photos or art for each month. Add special family dates and events.
      3. DIY Coasters
        • Use cork tiles or wooden coasters and decorate with paint, pressed flowers, or decoupage. Seal with Mod Podge for durability.
      4. “Open When” Letters
        • Write a set of letters for different occasions (e.g., “Open when you need a hug” or “Open when you’re having a great day”) and bundle them with a string.

      Wrapping Up

      Giving and making presents is a great way to connect and convey values like creativity, gratitude, and thoughtfulness. Every present, whether well-chosen or homemade, has its unique history and meaning.

      This year we made homemade beeswax candles, lotions, and balms with essential oils. My oh my the house smelled wonderful as it filled with holiday scents and were a joy to make.     

      “It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” – Mother Teresa

      Riddle: What's something everyone likes to give but no one can wrap? 

      Browse these art, music, and story writing lessons for creative gift creating and giving ideas.  

      Don’t forget to download free holiday lessons & worksheets BELOW —perfect for teaching kids about the art and joy of giving.

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      Free Homeschool Holiday Lessons

      Download Student Worksheet

      Fun Holiday Crossword for K-4

      Write a Holiday Mad Lib - Story

      Lesson Objective:

      Students will learn about the history of this holiday season, about gift-giving and  explore traditions from various cultures. Inspirations for creating their own handmade gifts while understanding the value of non-material giving.

      Lesson Outline

      1. A little history of Christmas 

      2. Gift-Giving in different parts of the world

      3. DIY Gift Crafting Session

      4. The Spirit of Non-Material Giving

      5. How Gifts Connect Us

      End the lesson with a discussion: How do gifts build relationships?
      Ask students to reflect: "What type of gift would you like to give someone to make them feel truly special?" 

      Download LESSON Here 

      Fun Holiday Crossword for K-4

      Write a Holiday Mad Lib - Story

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