Cool Kid Craft-Holiday Giving Tree

by Lifestyle Expert, Kimmie Dillon
The idea of giving thanks can be forgotten with all of the holiday festivities. Create this autumn ‘tree of gratitude’ with your children.  Have them write something they’re thankful for on each leaf.  You’ll create a cute craft and help inspire them to be thankful.  It can even double as a centerpiece!

Here are the supplies you will need to create this “Holiday Giving Tree” project-
• pot or container
• tree branch
• sand, marbles or pebbles to fill your pot or container
• autumn leaves (optional)
• paper tags or paper leaves
• scissors
• hole punch
• ribbon
• permanent marker
1. Fill your container with sand, marbles or pebbles. You can also let the kids have fun by painting this container or pot in their own festive colors. Once ready, secure the branch inside the pot so it stands upright like a tree. For added color, attach autumn leaves to the branches with a hot glue gun.

2. Cut a variety of tags and leaf shapes with colorful cardstock. I encourage you to always supervise younger children when using scissors. Be creative here! For convenience, craft stores also carry pre-made tags and autumn shapes. In addition, a die-cutting machine is also useful for cutting out a variety of festive tags.
3. Use the hole punch to make an opening in each leaf. Thread a 10”piece of craft ribbon through the hole.
4. Have your children brainstorm what they are thankful for. Here’s where this craft project really starts to take place!
5. Using a sharpie, have each child write the 1 thing they are thankful for on each tag or leaf.

6. Next, thread the ribbon through the hole in the tag or leaf and tie to the tree.
7. Let each child hang their creation on the “Holiday Giving Tree!”
Your children now have a memorable craft project that they can be proud of. What a great way to celebrate Thanksgiving! You can also have your friends and family members add 'leaves' to your tree as they visit over the holidays. Keep a basket of blank tags next to your tree so everyone can reflect on what they’re thankful for.