101 Great Gifts from Kids

Rating:
Summary: Priceless Gifts
Review: In an era of self-help books and publications of financial advice, Mueller and Wheeler have written about a subject that will add REAL value to our lives - how to spend time with our children. Discarded household items and time can be combined and leveraged into shared accomplishments.

As the title indicates, over one hundred projects are described; each one taking a page or two. The needed materials are listed and "helpful hints" follow the instructions. The illustrations are not only instructive but will also generate enthusiasm in a youthful co-worker by showing the finished product.

This book can be used for individuals or groups. (I know of a congregation that organized Mother's Day and Father's Day activities for over twenty children around these gift-making suggestions.)

The dusters and cards you make won't last forever, but the memories will.

Rating:
Summary: 101 Great Gifts from Kids by Stephanie R. Mueller et al
Review: This is a fun, creative book. I initially ordered it for my child's preschool teacher as an end of the year gift, but school ended before it arrived. When it came, I decided to keep it for my family. Should have ordered two copies and taken one to the teacher this summer. There are some familiar ideas with new twists (paper weights, picture frames), but also lots of ideas new to me (tube sock duster, fabric wall hanging using pastels and food coloring). I have two girls (teenager and a kindergartener) and have helped their teachers with arts and crafts throughout years of preschool and elementary school, scouts and bible school. I thought I'd seen every kids' craft idea there was, until I saw this book. My teenager loves to help her little sister with crafts, and there are loads of new ideas in this book to keep them busy. Some ideas are messy, most are neat and tidy, using common household things available on a rainy day with little or no planning ahead required. I love this book and HIGHLY recommend it to anyone whose children love to do crafts. The joy little ones feel when presenting someone with a special handmade gift is priceless, and these ideas make the recipient really take notice!!!!!! NOT your everyday repeats. Great for teachers, scout leaders, moms, big sisters and brothers, Sunday school teachers, and even an interested dad or two. But, it's best for little hands that love to create. Buy it. It is a wealth of information for the price.