Since 2011, the first Wednesday in August is all
about making holiday gifts. After this year’s projects, a list of ones from previous
years is included.
Covid is going to be with us for a while, so a well
thought out “activity kit,” for children and adults alike will help them through,
and possibly even enjoy, the months ahead. When thinking about what keeps us occupied,
engaged, and de stressed, you’ll want to consider kits that promote learning; staying
fit (mentally and physically); being in nature; and creating art
Hand lettering
(Calligraphy): An ideal kit for adults as well
as kids, you can find inexpensive calligraphy pens at places like Walmart. These
are just fine for someone to find out if this is something they like doing. You
can download worksheets on line, suggests videos for them to watch and include
a pad of good calligraphy paper. Watch the video below to understand more about
calligraphy and hand lettering for beginners. This will give you ideas for what
you’d want to include in a kit.
The Puzzler: Thrift stores, tag sales and even the Dollar Store are good places to
pick up jigsaw puzzles at a fraction of their original cost. You can stack up a
bunch of puzzles to give all at once, or if you can find enough of them, you
can do a puzzle of the month club, dropping off a new one at the beginning of
each month.
Bonfires!!: A friend suggested that we start planning to hold bonfire parties this
coming winter, since we shouldn’t be meeting in doors. So things to include in
a winter bonfire kit: masks, can make out of winter themed fabric and add extra
layers since we need more than a bandanna when it’s cold out. Mugs and thermos
for hot chocolate or some other warm beverage. Special bowls and cultery. Long
matches for lighting bonfire. Fire starters-collect pine cones, melt some left
candles and dunk the pine cones in several times; let dry and pack in a bag. Better yet, give them pine cones you've collect, along with odds and ends of candles, a cheap double boiler from the thrift store and directions on how to make them. Special warm blankets. Look
around for end of summer deals on portable fire pits and other items that go towards
a good bonfire.
De Stressing: Give one or several items for a kit. You can make many of these or look
around for bargains:
• Coloring book for grownups (you can print some
images on cover stock). Be sure to include markers, crayons, water colors etc.
• Audio book: Sometimes libraries give these away. A
gift membership to Audible for a month or two is another option.
• A book or two. Dollar Trees sometimes will
surprise you with the books they have for sale. Worth checking out if you are
comfortable going to stores.
• Teas and a special mug. Teas that promote
relaxation stress relief include lavender, peppermint, chamomile, passionflower
and valerian
• Stress balls: Make your own using a balloons and a
filler of rice or flour.
• Chocolates: So this is the easy chocolate treat to
make. Mix a can of condensed milk and a package of dark chocolate chips (my
preference is Ghiradelli 60%) in a bowl and place in the microwave for one minute.
Take it out and stir until its well blended. Add a teaspoon each of vanilla and
cinnamon. Use high quality ingredients. Stir and pour onto a silt pat or a
greased pan. Stick in fridge for several hours until it’s fully set and cut
into tiny bite size pieces. Can add nuts if you like. Helps to try out recipes now so you'll know they'll work come December.
For the baker: A collection of different cupcake wrappers, sprinkles, and other
supplies that encourage creative baking.
Adult Activity
Kits: With yard sales taking place right up through Labor
Day, this is a good time to be on the look out for bits and pieces that would
make a good activity kit. If you find an old pot holder loom, it’s easy to pick
up the loops on-line or make some yourself. For the person that likes needle
point, crocheting, knitting etc. lots of people will put out UFOs (unfinished
projects). You can pick up needles, yarns, wool and even patterns, which when
combined in unique ways will provide hours of entertainment for budding fiber
artists. Here is a list of kits sold on Amazon you can use as inspiration for your kits.
Previous Years August Holiday Gifts to Start Now
• 2016 Bowls
• 2017
Jars
• 2018 Puzzle
Pieces
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