Skip to content

Top Navigation

Parents Parents
  • GETTING PREGNANT
  • PREGNANCY
  • BABY NAMES
  • BABY
  • TODDLER
  • BIG KID
  • FUN
  • HEALTH
  • PARENTING
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAY
  • News & Trends
  • Raising the Future
  • OUR MAGAZINES
  • Podcasts
  • Kindred
  • MORE

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore Parents

Parents Parents
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 22 Chore Ideas for Every Type of Kid

      22 Chore Ideas for Every Type of Kid

      Find a chore your kid loves to do, and start a habit of wanting to help out that'll last a lifetime. Read More Next
    • Top 5 Mom Friend Problems—And How to Fix Them

      Top 5 Mom Friend Problems—And How to Fix Them

      Parenting is so much easier with good pals. Learn to overcome friendship hurdles and bond with women who get you. Read More Next
    • How to Sleep Train Toddlers and Big Kids

      How to Sleep Train Toddlers and Big Kids

      Do you struggle to put your kiddo to bed—or keep them there? Read on to find out how to sleep train toddlers, preschoolers, and big kids. Read More Next
  • GETTING PREGNANT

    GETTING PREGNANT

    See All GETTING PREGNANT
    Your Chances of Getting Pregnant, During Every Phase of Your Cycle

    Your Chances of Getting Pregnant, During Every Phase of Your Cycle

    When sex coincides with your most fertile days, your chances of getting pregnant increase. Get to know each phase of your cycle to help you conceive (or avoid) a pregnancy.
    • Ovulation
    • Reproductive Age
    • Maximizing Your Fertility
    • Pre-Pregnancy Health
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Dealing With Infertility
    • Genetics
  • PREGNANCY

    PREGNANCY

    See All PREGNANCY
    9 Signs That Labor Is Approaching

    9 Signs That Labor Is Approaching

    Anxiously awaiting your baby’s arrival? Learn to recognize the signs of approaching labor, which signal that your little one might make an appearance soon.
    • Signs of Pregnancy
    • Pregnancy Week-by-Week
    • Giving Birth
    • Labor & Delivery
    • Pregnancy Symptoms
    • Due Date Calculator
    • Pregnancy Complications
    • Fetal Development
    • Gender Prediction
    • Baby Showers
  • BABY NAMES

    BABY NAMES

    See All BABY NAMES
    These Baby Names Are Predicted to Be Popular in 2022

    These Baby Names Are Predicted to Be Popular in 2022

    From Bridgerton to travel destinations, learn what's inspiring the baby name trends of 2022.
    • Baby Girl Names
    • Most Popular Names
    • Names by Origin
    • Twin Names
    • Baby Boy Names
    • Names by Religion
    • Celebrity Baby Names
  • BABY

    BABY

    See All BABY
    How to Decode Your Baby's Cough

    How to Decode Your Baby's Cough

    Caring for a baby with a wet or dry cough? Listen for wheezing, hacking, or barking first, then read on to find out what's normal and when it's time to worry.
    • Newborn Care
    • Crying Baby
    • Health
    • Baby Development
    • Safety
    • Gear
    • Breastfeeding
    • Diapers
    • Sleep Issues
    • Feeding
    • Nursery
  • TODDLER

    TODDLER

    See All TODDLER
    • Preschool Activities
    • Behavior & Discipline
    • Toddler Development
    • Milestones
    • Potty Training
    • Starting School
    • Health
    • Safety
    • Childcare
  • BIG KID

    BIG KID

    See All BIG KID
    How to Deal With Bullies: A Guide for Parents

    How to Deal With Bullies: A Guide for Parents

    Mean kids aren't just a middle-school problem. The trouble has trickled to the youngest grades. Learn how to spot it—and how to protect children of all ages from bullies at school.
    • Education
    • Health
    • Food & Nutrition
    • Bullying & School Problems
    • Child Development
    • Safety
    • Manners & Responsibility
  • FUN

    FUN

    See All FUN
    17 Budget-Friendly Kids' Birthday Party Ideas

    17 Budget-Friendly Kids' Birthday Party Ideas

    A fun celebration doesn't need to cost a pretty penny. Throw a memorable bash with these clever cost-cutting kids' birthday party ideas.
    • Birthdays
    • Indoor Activities
    • Outdoor Activities
    • Arts & Crafts
    • Printable Coloring Pages
    • Kids' Entertainment
    • Best Toys
    • Holidays
    • Family Vacation Ideas
  • HEALTH

    HEALTH

    See All HEALTH
    All About Coronavirus COVID-19: A Concerned Parent's Guide

    All About Coronavirus COVID-19: A Concerned Parent's Guide

    Here’s everything you need to know about the disease that originated in Wuhan, China.
    • ADD & ADHD
    • Allergies
    • Autism
    • Cold & Flu
    • Coronavirus and COVID-19
    • Cough
    • Down Syndrome
    • Emergency Aid
    • Fever
    • Medication & Vitamins
    • Obesity
    • Rashes
    • Stomach Aches
    • Vaccines
  • PARENTING

    PARENTING

    See All PARENTING
    The Stay at Home Guide for Parents

    The Stay at Home Guide for Parents

    Everything you need to thrive at home as a family.
    • Positive Parenting
    • Parenting Style
    • Celebrity Parents
    • Family Dynamics
    • Divorce
    • Home
    • Adoption
    • Just for Mom
    • Money
    • Toy Recalls
    • Stroller Recalls
    • Moms Run the World
    • The Stay at Home Guide
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    • Family Recipes
    • Baby Food
    • Toddler Finger Food Recipes
    • Hints & Tips
    • Healthy Eating
    • Birthdays
    • Holiday Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Meals
    • Food For Pregnant Women
  • HOLIDAY

    HOLIDAY

    See All HOLIDAY
    44 Fun Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids, Preschoolers, and Toddlers

    44 Fun Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids, Preschoolers, and Toddlers

    Spend an afternoon making these Valentine's Day cards, decorations, and edible projects. Bonus: Each one can double as a homemade gift for someone special!
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Memorial Day
    • Father's Day
    • 4th of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
  • News & Trends
  • Raising the Future
  • OUR MAGAZINES

    OUR MAGAZINES

    See All OUR MAGAZINES
    • Parents
    • Parents Latina
    • Ser Padres
  • Podcasts

    Podcasts

    • We Are Family Podcast
    • That New Mom Life Podcast
    • Pregnancy Confidential Podcast
  • Kindred
  • MORE

    MORE

    • Newsletters
    • Contests
    • #ParentsIRL
    • Adulting
    • First Year Playbook
    • Celebrate Your Way

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Family Life
  3. Holiday
  4. Christmas
  5. Gifts
  6. Holiday Crafts & Projects That Give Back

Holiday Crafts & Projects That Give Back

November 12, 2008
Skip gallery slides
Pin
How to Make Easy Christmas Ornaments

Hands-on projects are a great way to get kids psyched about giving back during the holidays. This season, try one (or more) of these wonderful ideas from our readers and editors for helping people in need.

Start Slideshow

1 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen

With all the extra cookies and sweets around during the holiday season, it's easy to forget that people in your own town are going hungry. Sign up with your child to help serve a meal at a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter. Some organizations will ask for volunteers to donate the meal ingredients as well as prepare it: Let your little one pick out one of their favorite recipes to make and serve for those less fortunate.

  • Visit DoSomething.org to find a soup kitchen in your area.

1 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Adopt a Family

Take the focus off lists to Santa, and instead teach your child how they can follow in his generous footsteps. Adopt a family in need this year, and let your child help pick out presents and clothes for a less fortunate family in your area. Explain that not everyone can afford to celebrate the holidays, but you can make sure other kids have gifts to unwrap this year by sharing.

  • Visit The Salvation Army's HomeLeague.com for more information about the Adopt-a-Family program.

2 of 14

3 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Write a Letter

Teach your child the importance of letting the people in their lives know how much they appreciate them. Whether it's a grandparent, friend, or teacher, a handwritten note will surely brighten up anyone's day this holiday season. This is also a wonderful opportunity for kids to practice and develop their writing skills.

3 of 14

Advertisement

4 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bring Goodies to a Nursing Home

While holiday baking with your little one is a special tradition, take it a step further this year by bringing homemade goodies to a local nursing home. Have your child help drop off the food gifts and talk to residents in the community -- especially those who don't have regular visitors.

  • Get recipes for Christmas Cookies Kids Can Help Make.

4 of 14

5 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Support Our Troops

Whether or not you have a family member serving in the military, it's important to teach your child about the sacrifices being made by men and women in uniform. Help your child prepare a holiday package for a service person who is spending the holidays away from home.

  • Visit Give2theTroops.org for a list of frequently requested food items.

5 of 14

6 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Go Caroling

Give your family and neighbors the gift of song this season by organizing a night of caroling. Your level of vocal skill doesn't matter -- most Christmas carols are easy to sing or hum. Simply gather a few other parents and friends and print off song sheets to help kids learn all the words.

6 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Giving Tree

A few years ago, my family helped a single mom find public housing right before the holidays. My kids and their friends collected basic supplies, and we got the family a small tree. Each child created an ornament for the tree, which we set up in the family's new home. It was such a meaningful way for us to make a contribution.

-- Dana D. B.; Little Rock, Arkansas

7 of 14

8 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

How to Make Easy Christmas Ornaments

Watch this video to learn three easy ways to transform a clear Christmas ornament into a dazzling tree decoration.

8 of 14

9 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Special Delivery

During the holidays, we spend a day making healthy brown-bag lunches to deliver to the homeless. We get a family assembly line going with my three daughters. Then we head downtown to give away the meals.

-- Rachael R. S., Santa Barbara, California

9 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Care Package

We participate in Operation Christmas Child, which benefits kids around the world (samaritanspurse.org). All year long my kids collect small supplies and goodies that can fit into a shoebox. At Christmas we fill, wrap, and send off the boxes.

-- Mariah S.; Acton, Massachusetts

10 of 14

11 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Change for Good

Throughout the year, we collect our spare change in a Christmas jar, and then give the grand total to someone in need during the holiday season. It's really amazing how those coins add up -- last year we were able to donate more than $300.

-- Jamie H.; Las Vegas, Nevada

11 of 14

12 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Make a Connection

We encourage our kids to come up with their own ways to give back. We reward each gesture of kindness or little project by adding a link to a paper chain that we hang up. On each link, we write the family member's name and what they did.

-- Rene R.; Ahwatukee, Arizona

12 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

More Ways to Help: Toy Drive

Teach your kids to pay the love forward and donate some of their gently used toys to needy children.

-- Suzonne Stirling

13 of 14

14 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

More Ways to Help: Neighborly Love

Cheer up an elderly neighbor with a stocking full of teas and gourmet cookies.

-- Suzonne Stirling

Copyright &copy 2010 Meredith Corporation.

14 of 14

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 14 Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen
    2 of 14 Adopt a Family
    3 of 14 Write a Letter
    4 of 14 Bring Goodies to a Nursing Home
    5 of 14 Support Our Troops
    6 of 14 Go Caroling
    7 of 14 Giving Tree
    8 of 14 How to Make Easy Christmas Ornaments
    9 of 14 Special Delivery
    10 of 14 Care Package
    11 of 14 Change for Good
    12 of 14 Make a Connection
    13 of 14 More Ways to Help: Toy Drive
    14 of 14 More Ways to Help: Neighborly Love

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Parents

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
    • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
    • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • From Our Sponsors this link opens in a new tab
    • Affiliate Program this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithParents.com is part of the Parents Network. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Parents. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.parents.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Holiday Crafts & Projects That Give Back
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.