1. Make a potato stamp. Adult: Cut a potato in half. Draw a simple shape (star, bell, heart) onto the open end of one side of the potato half. Using a paring or pocket knife, carve the potato away (at least 1 centimeter deep) from the edges until only the shape is left. Child: Use paint in a small tray or an ink pad to ink the potato. Then use your potato stamp to decorate Christmas cards, wrapping paper or bookmarks as gifts.

2. Make cookies using Christmas cookie cutters. Put them in plastic bags and tie with a ribbon to give as gifts.

3. Frame your child's drawing or artwork. If your child is learning to write, have them sign the drawing, even with an initial or wiggly lines. Have child wrap the gift.

4. Make a string ornament or decoration. Blow up a balloon to a small size. Get yarn and two trays or disposable plastic plates. Squirt glue into one plate. Pour glitter into the other plate. Dip yarn thoroughly into the glue. Wrap this sticky yarn around the balloon until only small parts of it show through. Roll the balloon in the glitter. Let dry overnight. When dry, pop the balloon.

5. Make an audio or video recording of your child(ren) or family singing one verse of a Christmas hymn or song. E-mail the recording, post it on YouTube or mail it on a cassette tape to friends and relatives as a Christmas gift or card.