Hi all! I’m Julie and I blog about kids, food, and life at Teaching Good Eaters. While most of my posts at my own blog are focused in getting kids to eat good food and bringing some peace to your mealtimes, my most popular blog post by far, was about making really easy and really inexpensive homemade gifts for kids.

While I love creating things, my “crafty abilities,” are pretty low, and the reaction to my homemade gifts post, seemed to struck a cord. It’s led me to think that perhaps I wasn’t the only one out there with more desire than skill when it come to crafting.

So, for this reason, when Shannah asked for guest posts, I decided that instead of staying within my normal comfort zone of “food,” I would instead share a Christmas craft for kids with her readers: easy Christmas ornaments.

Plus, the bonus for me, is that I actually created this craft idea when I was a kid myself. The original ornament that I made still hangs on my parents’ Christmas tree every year.

This craft meets all of my requirements for a great craft.

It’s quick, easy, and uses materials that you already have on hand… especially this time of year.

While you’re wrapping, simply keep the scraps of wrapping paper, extra pieces of ribbons, bows, stickers, and even the wrapping paper rolls (or you can collect toilet or paper towel rolls.)

Start with a cardboard tube approximately 4 1/2 inches in length (the length of a toilet paper tube) and cover one end of the tube with tape.

Add a few handfuls of beads, beans, or rice…anything that can shake and make a fun noise.

Then, cover the other end of the tube with tape, as well.

Next, cut a piece of paper long enough that you will be able to roll the tube several times, and wide enough that several inches stick out beyond the edges of the tube. Roll the tube in the paper and glue or tape the end.

Next, pinch the wrapping paper at each end of the tube.

Then, tie ribbons around each end. (Add an extra loop for hanging onto the tree!)

Finally, embellish with whatever you have on hand… sticky bows, gift tag labels, stickers, and, if you’re up to the mess… glitter!

My kids always want to help wrap presents… this is a great way to let them be involved and it’s an opportunity to give them freedom to express their own creativity (even if it’s not perfect 😉 )

Each one is unique, and if you make these with your own kids, I’d love to see your creations! Feel free to share them on my Facebook wall or tag @teachinggoodeaters on Instagram. You can also connect with me on Twitter… and don’t forget to stop by teachinggoodeaters.com where my goal is help people realize that hotdogs and broccoli can share a plate!