Have you started thinking about the holidays yet? I have. In fact, I virtually mull over the holidays all year round. Not about what I want and wish for, but about my children and what gifts they can create each year. Family members much prefer handcrafted to store bought.
I have contemplated many ideas and run into many difficulties. A query that has presented itself is; what can 13-15 year old males create that will accomplish two objectives? Gifts that hold their attention long enough in order to complete the project yet also cool enough to be considered manly made? With this in mind these are seven gifts that have been hand crafted in our home.
Hand crafted gift ideas for adolescent males #1)
Think fire. Fire is cool. Fire is manly. Wood burning kits are relatively inexpensive to purchase and the gifts they can create out of such kits can last a lifetime as well as mean the world to a father or grandfather. Moreover, it is not as if they are playing with fire. Now wood burning does take patience so if your son is impatient you might look to another craft-making endeavor.
Hand crafted gift ideas for adolescent males #2)
Make a coffee mug shelf. Is there an avid coffee drinker in the adolescent's life? Assist him while he hand crafts a shelf. A simple shelf made from left over scrap wood from other home improvement projects. Cut the shelf to size using either regular hand held saw. No power required other than muscle. Sand and stain (or paint). Screw in hooks of his choice under the shelf and you have an instant coffee mug shelf. This is such a simple gift to create that any number of variations can be added and or substituted to really make it one's own personalized gift.
Hand crafted gift ideas for adolescent males #3)
Have him become his own version of Emeril. Pint mason jars filled with one's own freshly made picante sauce will go over great as a gift. Alternatively, some other concoction that you both decide can be quick and easy to make as well as yummy delicious to the giftee.
Hand crafted gift ideas for adolescent males #4)
A coat rack. This is one my favorite gift ideas. All he needs is a scrap piece of lumber and some doorknobs. Sand and stain (or paint) the wood and then screw in three to four doorknobs found at flea markets, old houses, or thrift stores. Instant coat rack. Grandfathers love this gift, especially if you were able to go through his garage or shed and find doorknobs that he has had stowed away for a rainy day for YEARS.
Hand crafted gift ideas for adolescent males #5)
Have you seen the wax scented bears? This is a great gift to make as well as donated item for church bazaars and other various fund raisers. Teens will enjoy "playing" around with hot wax (and make no mistake it is HOT, thusly playing around is not advised at all). Dip a small stuffed bear or other animal into the scented wax and then pose and let dry. A lovely addition to any home or office.
Hand crafted gift ideas for adolescent males #6)
A coupon book. Have him decide what coupons he wants to give and let him create personalized ones a computer with pictures and graphics. Grandmothers are especially partial to this particular gift.
Hand crafted gift ideas for adolescent males #7)
Does he have an aunt with a pet? He can make a pet bed. Four sides of wood along with a base nailed together. Make the pillow or purchase one from a pet supply store and you have a hand crafted pet bed. Nothing fancy is needed.
Remember that above all else, it is the thought that matters. In addition, anything created out of love and devotion is worth keeping.
