I love the idea of making a special gift for children during the holiday season! This is a gift that little ones won’t see coming and will be completely surprised when opening the them! These will be a wonderful addition to any holiday toy collection and will be so fun to bring out year after year. These holiday magnetic tiles will become a special and cherished holiday toy in your home or classroom! 

Ready to give it a try!? Here’s what you’ll need..

Supplies for the DIY Leaf Activity for Kids:

• Clear Magnetic Tiles– This activity has been such a big hit that the first set of magnetic tiles that I used is sold out on Amazon and their website! They tend to go back in and out of stock, so you can TAP HERE to see if they are currently available. If they are not in stock, then try the following brands! I have used these as well and they work well for the DIY! This Magna-Tile set comes with 16 tiles and I found its the perfect amount to mix in with our regular colorful set of tiles. Imagsimags also work well and of course Connetix Tiles are gorgeous! 
• Holiday Themed Stickers– This is a nice set of stickers for this activity! This sticker set comes with one set of opaque stickers and the exact same set of matte/translucent stickers. I was a little confused when I first opened the set, so thought I’d mention it here! 
• Light Pad– This is optional, but a fun accessory for any magnetic tile fan! You can see this in action on my Pressed Flower Magnetic Tile Post. 
• Flameless Tea Lights– I started adding these lights to my magnetic tile section of my classroom and they are a big hit! The kids like building towers and adding tea lights to the different levels of their buildings. 

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RELATED: HOW TO MAKE ICE LANTERS

Here’s How I Made the Holiday Magnetic Tiles:

These are so easy to make! Just peel the stickers and place them on the magnetic tiles. Again, make sure you are peeling the matte/translucent stickers. The opaque stickers definitely do not look as pretty on the tiles!

The poinsettia stickers in this set are GORGEOUS and look pretty when you place a couple of them together on the same magnetic tile! Make sure you cut off any excess sticker that hangs off the side of the tile. 

I absolutely love the Santa and the Merry Christmas tiles! They are so cute and perfect for the holiday season.

These are so pretty when you play with them near a window! The light shines throw them and make beautiful sun catchers. 

If you like these, you might also like my pressed flower magnetic tiles and leafy magnetic tiles! 

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I hope you enjoy this Holiday DIY activity as much as I do!

-Tara

Need more Holiday ideas?! Check out:

Make Your Own Wax Paper Bookmark

Air Dry Clay Dish for the Holidays

The post Holiday DIY Magnetic Tiles appeared first on Little Pine Learners.

It’s no secret that I LOVE evergreen crafts! I made these lamps for my mom and mother-in-law for Christmas this year and I wanted to wait to see how they would hold up before I shared it with you all! As you can see in the photos, they still look beautiful months later. The shade of green has lightened just a bit, but still looks very green and tree-like!

I shared one in my Instagram stories about a month ago and many of you wanted to know how to make it, so here is my tutorial. I think you will find that these are extremely easy to make. Sometimes adding just a little detail to something makes all the difference in the world! 

With Father’s Day right around the corner, the gem-less version would make a great handmade gift for dad, grandpa or any other special guy in your life! 

Ready to give it a try!? Here’s what you’ll need..

Supplies for the Lampshade:

• • Lamp- I used this lamp and like the size and worked well of the craft. Just be aware that this has a USB plug. I own this lamp and this lamp and they are nice options as well!
  • Mod Podge- I used the matte version for the lampshade.
  • Mod Podge brushes 
  • Evergreen pieces- I picked some cedar branches from my yard!
  • Gemstone Stickers– Try adding these stickers if you want to turn your tree into a Christmas tree!

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Related: Evergreen Lanterns

Here’s How I Made this Tree Lampshade:

Step 1: Gather evergreen pieces.

Head outdoors and collect some branches for your lampshade! I picked different sizes and shapes so I could place them on my lampshade to see which one fits and looks best. These little branches are from our cedar tree. 

Step 2: Trim your evergreen pieces. 

I trimmed the bottom part of the pieces to make them look more tree-like.

Step 3: Add Mod Podge.

Next, add a layer of Mod Podge on the lampshade. I suggest covering the entire side with Mod Podge because even though I used matte, it still looks a bit shiny when dried. 

Step 4: Place evergreen piece on the lampshade. 

Arrange your evergreen piece on the layer of Mod Podge. Make sure it is centered and straight!

Step 5: More Mod Podge and let it dry.

Add a liberal layer of Mod Podge over the evergreen piece. The cedar piece is pretty thick and heavy, so it requires quite a bit of Mod Podge. The evergreen piece might pop up throughout the drying process, so you will probably need to check back on it to make sure it’s pressed down against the lampshade.  The drying process might take a few hours!

I even laid a pair of scissors on the piece of cedar to make sure it dried flat. 

It looked so pretty when finished! I have pictures below of the tree lamp in different settings. The first two pictures show the lampshade with the gem stickers and the third photo shows the lampshade without the gem stickers. 

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I hope you enjoy this nature craft as much as I do!

-Tara

Need more simple nature ideas?! Check out:

Make Your Own Bookmark with Wax Paper

Evergreen Clay Dishes

The post DIY Tree Lampshade appeared first on Little Pine Learners.

We are almost a week away from Christmas and still going strong with the holiday crafts! These look pretty as a wall hanging decoration, tree ornament or gift topper. So many possible uses for this simple craft! 

You don’t need your own pressed flowers and leaves, you can find many places on the internet to purchase them! I usually grab them from Amazon because the delivery is typically the quickest. You can also find pressed flowers and leaves on ETSY, but the shipping time might be a bit longer. I linked the exact kits that we used below. 

Ready to make one (or ten)? Here’s what you’ll need….

Supplies:

• Pine Needles
• Air Dry Clay- This 2.5 lb container makes about 18 ornaments. 
• Christmas Cookie Cutters- We used this kit, but this kit also looks great and there are more design options! 
• Pressed Flower and Pressed Leaves- The flower kit included tweezers which is very helpful for picking up the flowers and leaves.
• Straw for poking a hole
• Twine or metal ornament hooks
• Mod Podge– I suggest using this starter kit to see which type you prefer. Glossy is a shiny finish and matte is a flat finish. We used matte for this craft.

This post contains Affiliate links for your convenience.

RELATED: Check out Pine Needle Keepsake Ornament

Here’s How we Made these Nature Ornaments:

Step 1:

Roll out the clay. Kids will love to help with this step!

Step 2:

Choose cookie cutter designs and cut out your ornaments! We chose ornament shapes, but you could try any holiday shape!

Step 3:

Poke a hole with a straw for a hanging spot. We used a metal straw for this craft, but a plastic straw will work too. 

Step 4:

Organize the flowers and leaves on the ornaments and make sure you like the arrangement before gluing it all in place. As I stated above, use the tweezers for handling the pieces of nature!

Step 5:

Make sure you push the flowers and leaves into the clay with gentle pressure. This will help them stay in place when you apply the Mod Podge.

Once your ornaments are finished, put a layer of Mod Podge over the flowers and leaves. This will help them stay in place. I used a cookie rack to help the ornaments dry quicker but this isn’t necessary.

I have found that the ornaments dry in about 48 hours, but the drying time on the box is 2-3 days.

My boys instantly loved this activity and wanted to make multiple ornaments! They are pretty addictive to make and each ornament turned out unique and beautiful. You don’t have to stick to the red and green color scheme. We chose those colors because they looked pretty and festive! I think colorful flowers would look beautiful as well!

Which designs are your favorites?!

Pin this nature Christmas ornament to save it for later!

I hope you give this nature Christmas ornament a try! I promise, your little nature lovers will love it as much as my boys.

∼Tara

Looking for more pine activity ideas?! Check out:

DIY Wax Paper Lantern

A Simple and Adorable Holiday Wreath for Kids

The post Nature Christmas Ornaments appeared first on Little Pine Learners.

Bookmarks make a great holiday craft because many children receive books during the holiday season! These cute bookmarks look like mini Christmas trees and the gems look like twinkling lights when reflected in the sunlight. They are so pretty!

If these look familiar that’s because we made beautiful wax paper lanterns using the same supplies. You could make them both at the same time!

Ready to give it a try!? Here’s what you’ll need..

Supplies:

• • Arborvitae Pieces
  • Wax paper
  • Towel or ironing board
  • Scissors or portable paper trimmer
  • Tape
  • Gem Stickers (optional)
  • Vintage Holiday Book Set with 8 Classic Stories

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Related: Check out this adorable Air Dry Clay Dish for the Holidays

Here’s How I Made these DIY Wax Paper Lanterns:

Step 1:

Clip some arborvitae pieces. Next, turn on your iron to a medium high setting. If your wax paper doesn’t stick together, then turn your iron up higher. 

Step 2:

Cut a piece of wax paper, fold it in half to make a crease and open it back up again. My whole piece is about 21 inches long. This might seem way too big, but the wax paper will not seal if you don’t leave enough room surrounding the arborvitae piece. 

Place your arborvitae piece on one half of the piece of wax paper. 

Step 3:

Fold your piece of wax paper over the arborvitae piece. This doesn’t need to be perfect because you can always trim it up later. 

Step 4:

As soon as your iron hits the wax paper, it will fuse together! It’s a neat process to observe. I quickly ran the iron over the wax paper several times, then I flipped it over and did the same thing on that side. 

Since there is an air pocket around the arborvitae piece, the green will fade a bit over time. They are just too thick to seal 100%.

Step 5:

Now trim your paper to make it the height and width you would like. This is also when you can trim up those rough edges. You can use scissors, but I find this paper trimmer pretty handy! 

Step 6:

This step is optional. We added some small gem stickers to mimic Christmas lights. They look so pretty!

Pair a bookmark with a book and you have the perfect gift. People love a beautiful and thoughtful handmade gift! 

We had fun playing around with different color combinations with the gem stickers! I found that was a great added touch and fun way to personalize them for yourself or someone else. 

I’ve had so many link requests for the vintage holiday books in this post, that I decided to share them! CLICK HERE to check out the 8 classic holiday books included in the beautiful set.

Click on the photos below for unique gift ideas for nature loving kids!

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I hope you try to make your own bookmark! I promise, your little nature lovers will love it as much as my boys.

∼Tara

Need more simple nature ideas?! Check out:

How to Make Ice Lanterns

Nature Christmas Cards to Make With Kids

The post Make Your Own Bookmark with Wax Paper appeared first on Little Pine Learners.

We made a leaf version of this lantern last fall and loved them so much that we HAD to try them again for a sweet winter decoration. 

We have accumulated quite the beautiful collection of these wax paper lanterns! I suggest making a few of them and placing them together for a more dramatic effect. We have our lanterns placed in front of the wood stove. I keep thinking we have a fire going because they are so bright and add a nice warm glow to our home.

If these look familiar that’s because we made beautiful wax paper bookmarks using the same supplies. You could make both crafts at the same time!

Ready to give it a try!? Here’s what you’ll need..

Supplies:

• • Arborvitae Pieces
  • Wax paper
  • Towel or ironing board
  • Scissors or portable paper trimmer
  • Tape
  • Flameless candles
  • Gem Stickers (optional)

This post contains Affiliate links for your convenience.

Related: Check out this adorable Rosemary Wreath Necklace

Here’s How I Made these DIY Wax Paper Lanterns:

Step 1:

Clip some arborvitae pieces. Next, turn on your iron to a medium high setting. If your wax paper doesn’t stick together, then turn your iron up to a higher setting. 

Step 2:

Cut a large piece of wax paper, fold it in half to make a crease, and open it back up again. My whole piece is about 32 inches long. 

Place your arborvitae piece on one half of the piece of wax paper. 

Step 3:

Fold your piece of wax paper over the arborvitae piece. This doesn’t need to be perfect because you can always trim it up later.

Step 4:

As soon as your iron hits the wax paper, it will fuse together! It’s a neat process to observe. I quickly ran the iron over the wax paper several times, then I flipped it over and did the same thing on that side. There will be some air bubbles and creases after ironing, but those add character! They make the lantern look like a beautiful frosted candle!

Step 5:

Now trim your paper to make it the height and width you would like. This is also when you can trim up those rough edges. You can use scissors, but I find this paper trimmer pretty handy! I wanted this lantern to be shorter, so I trimmed a lot off the top. 

Since there is an air pocket around the arborvitae piece, the green will fade a bit over time. They are just too thick to seal 100%.

Step 6:

This step is optional. We added some small gem stickers to mimic Christmas lights. They are pretty small and only noticeable during the day! You can’t really see them at night with the candle turned on.

Step 7:

Roll your paper to make a cylinder and tape the wax paper lantern together where the edges meet.

Now choose how you would like to light your lantern. If you will be adding a string handle and want to carry the lantern, you can tape a flameless candle on the inside of the lantern as pictured below.

You can hang your lantern with a string handle!

I love how beautiful these DIY wax paper lanterns look at night! We placed them in front of our Christmas tree and they look STUNNING.

But I have to say, they look just as beautiful during the day. The little gem stickers look so pretty in the sunlight. 

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I hope you give these DIY wax paper lanterns a try! I promise, your little nature lovers will love it as much as my boys.

∼Tara

Need more simple nature ideas?! Check out:

Jar Pine Lantern

Clay Dish with Evergreen Pieces

The post DIY Wax Paper Lantern appeared first on Little Pine Learners.

Here is a little helpful hint before we get started! Prep the air-dry clay before using it. When the clay first comes out of the container it’s pretty sticky and can be difficult to work with. Open the lid to your air-dry clay for about 30 minutes before you use it. This will dry it out just a bit, making it easier to handle. 

Ready to make an air dry clay dish? Here’s what you’ll need….

Supplies:

• Pine Needles
• Wax Paper
• Rolling Pin
• Circular Tupperware Container- about 4-5 inches in diameter
• Butter Knife
• Air Dry Clay
• Matte Mod Podge
• Sticker gems– If you want to turn your tree into a Christmas tree!

This post contains Affiliate links for your convenience.

RELATED: Check out Pine Tree Jar Lanterns

Here’s How We Made Our Clay Dish:

Step 1:

Place a sheet of wax paper on your work surface. Evenly roll the clay with a rolling pin about ¼ inch thick.

Step 2:

Using your Tupperware container as a guide, cut out a circle of your clay. Use a dull butter knife to cut out your shape.

Step 3:

Pinch up the edges of the circular clay piece to form a functional tray. Smooth out any fingernail or fingerprint marks.

Step 4:

Place pine needles along the border of the tray, near the pinched edge. Gently press one or two pine needles at a time into the clay. This will help them stay in place when you apply Mod Podge. Don’t place too many pine needles in one area, or they will not stick to the clay.

Step 5:

Put a layer of Mod Podge over the pine needles. This will seal the pine needles and prevent them from falling out. During this step, gently press the pine needles into the clay one more time! Let the clay dry. Follow the directions on your air-dry clay container to see how long your particular clay will take to dry.

Step 6:

After your clay trays are dried, you can choose to add gem stickers if you want to make them a bit more festive. For this tray, we added clusters of red gem stickers to mimic winterberries. This will look like a beautiful wreath when you are all finished!

We took a different approach for this tray. Instead of using a Tupperware lid as a shape guide, we used a large evergreen tree cookie cutter. Then we added pine needles. Mod Podge, and gem stickers!

Do you like these tree dishes plain or with gem stickers?

If these look familiar, that’s because we made a similar dish a couple of years ago! Click on the photo below to learn more about the craft and the type of evergreen we used.

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I hope you make a clay dish! I promise, your little nature lovers will love this craft as my boys.

∼Tara

Looking for more Christmas activity ideas?! Check out:

Irresistible DIY Reindeer Ornament

Handmade Nature and Cardboard Ornament

The post Air Dry Clay Dish for the Holidays appeared first on Little Pine Learners.

What are Potpourri Simmering Pots?

A stove-top simmer pot is a pot filled with water, fruits, spices and/or herbs that gently simmers, creating a wonderful smell. It’s a nice alternative to lighting a scented candle, which is usually filled with toxic ingredients.

Simmer pots are also a wonderful way to add moisture to the air. All of that extra moisture in the air helps the heat to stay longer and carries the aroma throughout the house.

Simmer Pot Tips

• We love to find and collect items in nature to add to our simmer pots! Try flowers and garden grown herbs and fruits in the spring and summer. The fall and winter seasons are a bit more challenging, but orchard picked apples, juniper berries, and fragrant pine branches are the perfect seasonal scents!
• Add about 6 cups of water to these simmer pot recipes. A good rule of thumb is to make sure there is enough water to cover the ingredients. Keep an eye on the water level and add more when needed.
• Never leave a simmer pot unattended while on the stove. A Crock Pot is another option for simmer pots!
• Use a small cookie or vegetable cutter to make apple or citrus peel shapes. Kids love using the cutters and this offers a fun way to get them more involved in the process.
• Try freezing citrus peels or drying orange slices in the oven to save simmer pot ingredients for a later date. To dry oranges in the over: Preheat the oven at 200. Slice the oranges very thinly and place slices on a baking rack a few inches apart. Bake for 2-2 1/2 hours. They burn easily, so check often during the last 30 minutes of baking.
• Here is a list of fall and winter simmer pot ingredient ideas: oranges, lemons, limes, apples, cranberries, pomegranate seeds, juniper berries, ginger, vanilla, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, pumpkin spice, allspice, cloves, star anise, bay leaves, rosemary, and mint.

Apple Potpourri Simmering Pot

Ingredients:

2 Apples

2 Whole Star Anise

2 Cinnamon Sticks

1 Teaspoon of Allspice

1 Tablespoon of Vanilla

This gorgeous simmer pot is so fun to make! Here’s how to make it:

1. Cut apples to reveal the star inside (against the core) and cut out mushroom shaped apple pieces with a vegetable shape cutter. This is optional. You can just slice the apple if you would like.
2. Add all of the ingredients to the pot and simmer.

Thankful Simmering Pot

Ingredients:

1 Orange

1 Lemon

3 Cinnamon Sticks

1 Tablespoon of Cloves

4 Dried Bay Leaves

This fragrant simmer pot offers a unique way to practice gratitude. Here’s how to make it:

1. Slice the citrus fruit.
2. Write what you are thankful for on the dried bay leaves. We used a fine tipped sharpie.
3. Add all of the ingredients to the pot and simmer.

Solstice Simmering Pot

Ingredients:

2 Oranges

2 Tablespoons of Cloves

2 Inches of Fresh Ginger

1 Tablespoon of Vanilla

This bright and sunny simmer pot is perfect for any solstice celebration! Here’s how to make it:

1. Slice one orange and gently peel the other orange. Cut out little orange peel suns with a vegetable shape cutter. Again, this is optional! The orange slices are beautiful on their own and also resemble the sun.
2. Poke cloves in the peeled orange. (Kids love this step!)
3. Add all of the ingredients to the pot and simmer!

Holiday Simmering Pot

Ingredients:

1 Lemon

1 Lime

3 Cinnamon Sticks

3 Small Branches of a Fragrant Pine Tree

1 Cup of Cranberries

This colorful simmer pot is perfect for any holiday celebration! Here’s how to make it:

1. Slice the citrus fruit.
2. Cut a few small pine branches from a tree. The trick is to make sure you have a fragrant pine tree. Some examples are: Balsam Fir, Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir, Scotch Pine, Colorado Blue Spruce.
3. Add all of the ingredients to the pot and simmer!

Simmer Pot Gift

Ingredients:

1 Sliced and Dried Orange or Whole Orange

3 Small Branches of a Fragrant Pine Tree

3 Cinnamon Sticks

OR

1 Sliced and Dried or Whole Lemon

3 Springs of Fresh Rosemary

1 Whole Vanilla Bean

This is a beautiful and useful gift to hand out this holiday season! Place all ingredients in a jar and add a tag with instructions. Here’s an example of instructions to add:

Slice fruit and cover ingredients with water in a small pot. Simmer these ingredients on low to infuse your home with the scents of the season. Refill water as needed. (Instructions will be a bit different for the gifts with dried citrus slices.)

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I hope you have fun making these potpourri simmering pot recipes! I promise, your little nature lovers will love it as much as my boys.

∼Tara

Need more simple nature ideas?! Check out:

Homemade Cardboard and Nature Ornaments

A Simple and Adorable Holiday Wreath

The post Potpourri Simmering Pot Recipes for Fall and Winter appeared first on Little Pine Learners.

What are skills-based gifts? These are gifts that help children foster important skills like learning how to make handicrafts, grow food and cook.  From developing fine motor skills to supporting self-esteem, there are many benefits to giving your child a skills-based gift!

Children learn by doing, so let’s give them experiences that help them acquire important skills and give them the opportunity to create or grow something beautiful at the same time! Crafting, cooking, growing plants, fishing, and more! Let’s get started.

ADULT SUPERVISION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL OF THESE GIFTS!

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Ceramics

1. Pottery Studio

Help children learn the skill of pottery with this awesome handicraft gift! This complete pottery wheel and painting kit includes three pounds of natural clay, pottery wheel, white glaze (for a base coat), opaque acrylic paint, paint brushes, sculpting tools, apron and more! Recommended for ages 8 and up. 

Faber-Castell Pottery Studio- Complete Pottery Wheel and Painting Kit for Beginners, with 3 lbs of Sculpting Clay and Tools

$55.19

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06/23/2026 02:01 pm GMT

2. Clay Jewelry Dish

This kit makes it easy to make little clay dishes! Just roll the clay, form into a circular shape, paint and adorn with the all-inclusive kit and create 3 designer clay jewelry or trinket dishes. Recommended for ages 8 and up. 

Craft 'n Clay - Jewelry Dish Making Kit for Kids

$14.99

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06/23/2026 05:01 pm GMT

Woodworking 

3. Woodworking Bench

This woodworking bench is the perfect gift for young children interested in learning the skill of woodworking. This set is make of sturdy wood, many tools and offers a space for imaginative play or a spot for real woodworking crafts! Recommended for ages 3 and up. Adult supervision is required. 

Large Wooden Play Tool Workbench Set for Kids

$56.94

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06/24/2026 12:02 pm GMT

4. Wood Toy Making Kit

This kit includes everything you need to make six different wooden projects! Recommended for ages 8 and up. Adult supervision is required. 

Kraftic Woodworking Building Kit for Kids and Adults, with 6 Educational Arts and Crafts

$49.95

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06/23/2026 02:02 pm GMT

5. Whittling Knife

This whittling knife is a good beginner whittling tool for children. These are still a little sharp and can cut skin, so I recommend using these gloves for beginners! This whittling book is also a great gift! The age recommendation says, kid. I would suggest 8 and up, but please test this out yourself before giving it as a gift. Adult supervision is required. 

Opinel My First No.7 Stainless Steel Children s Folding Pocket Knife with Safety Rounded Tip

$19.73

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06/23/2026 10:02 pm GMT

6. Carpenter Tool

This tool is AWESOME! We got this gift for our boys a couple years ago and they still use it. You can get replacement wood pieces here. If the tool is sold out in the photo below, then CLICK HERE and purchase from that link. This is a HOT toy and constantly sells out. Adult supervision is required. 

Most Popular!

PLAYmake Kids 4-in-1 Woodshop Carpentry Cool Tool with Jigsaw, Lathe, Drill Press, Sander, Power Supply, Safety Goggles, Extra Supplies, and Deluxe Project Book

$129.99

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06/24/2026 12:02 pm GMT

7. Wood Burning Kit

Try your hand at wood burning and make beautiful designs and pictures in wood! This beginners kit includes everything you need to make your own beautiful creations. The age recommendation is “kid” on the package, but I would say this is for ages 10 and up. The wood burning tool gets very hot and can burn skin easily. We have this kit and it’s still a bit tricky for my 9 year old to use. Adult supervision is required. 

Beginners Wood Burning Kit

$33.23

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06/23/2026 02:02 pm GMT

8. Bear Soapstone Carving Kit 

This material isn’t wood but soapstone! I thought it fit best under this cartegory because of the carving aspect of the kit. All necessary supplies are included to make awesome animal soapstone figures! This is recommended for ages 8 and up. 

STUDIOSTONE Bear Sculpture Soapstone Carving Kit for Kids and Adults

$29.99

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06/23/2026 10:02 pm GMT

9. V8 Combustion Engine Model Building Kit for Kids

This kit comes with everything you need to build a V8 engine replica! This awesome hands on STEM activity gives children the chance to develop useful skill! This gift is recommended for children 12 and up, but younger children would enjoy this with the help of an adult! The reveiws speek for themselves. 

Playz V8 Combustion Engine Model Building Kit for Kids and Adults, Educational Engineering Kit for Aspiring Engineers Ages 12+ with Guide & Realistic Mini Parts That R...

$67.96

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06/23/2026 05:01 pm GMT

Candle Making

10. Beeswax Candle Making Kit

These kits are so fun for kids of all ages! Younger children can help roll the beeswax and older children can design and create an entire candle. Candle making has become a favorite annual winter tradition for our family. There is no age requirement listed, but I think children ages 4 and up can help with various steps of this candle making kit. 

Beeswax Candle Making Kit for Kids - 100% Pure Bees Wax (16 Multicolor Sheets) DIY Candle Rolling Supplies and Tools

$29.99

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06/23/2026 02:02 pm GMT

11. Holiday Candle Making Kit

Here is a holiday themed candle making kit. Both of the listed kits are from a company that I have made several purchases from and love their products! 

Christmas Candle Rolling Kit - Beeswax Candle Making Kit for Kids & Adults

$19.99

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06/23/2026 02:02 pm GMT

12. Candle Making Kit with Molds

This kit is a little different than the two listed above. For this kit, melt the wax and pour it into a mold to form a candle shape! These are great for any holiday or occasion! Since you are working with hot wax, I suggest older children only for this activity. 

Complete Candle Making Kit for Beginners- Includes 5 Colors Candle Wax, 7 Candle Molds, 10 Wicks, 1 Melting Cup, and Guide book

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Textile Handicrafts

13. Potholder Loom

These kits are so fun! Weave a useful potholder and keep them or give them away as gifts! You can make 7″ potholders or 10″ potholders depending upon the kit you choose. The colors are so pretty and they are so fun and relaxing to make! Recommended for children ages 8 and up. 

Friendly Loom Potholder 7" Kit- Traditional Size with Rainbow Color Cotton Loops, Makes 6 Potholders

$31.95

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06/23/2026 02:02 pm GMT

14. Loom

This is a basic loom to help children learn the art of weaving. This Melissa and Doug wooden multi-craft weaving loom includes everything kids need, including an adjustable wooden loom, oversize wooden needle, craft materials, illustrated design booklet, and 91 yards of rainbow yarn! Recommended for children ages 6 and up. 

Melissa & Doug Wooden Multi-Craft Weaving Loom -A

$30.99

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06/23/2026 10:03 pm GMT

15. Knitting Machine

I have not tried this machine yet, but have seen it a few times on Instagram and plan on trying it this winter! This machine looks so easy to use! Just thread yarn into the spindles and turn the crank to knit your very own masterpieces, such as hats, scarves and socks! Children of all ages can help with various steps of the knitting process with this machine! 

DIY Knit Loom Machine Kit for Hat, Scarves, Gloves, Socks

$44.99

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06/24/2026 12:02 pm GMT

16. Woodland Animal Sewing Kit

This absolutely adorable sewing kit is perfect for kids! Children can sew together these woodland animals and then give them away as gifts or use them in imaginative play. Recommended for children ages 7 and up. 

CraftLab Woodland Animals Kids Sewing Kit, Educational Arts & Craft Gift for Kids and Teens

$25.47

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06/23/2026 10:02 pm GMT

17. Starter Felting Kit

This felted wool kit includes everything you need to make simple wool crafts. The six felted animal designs are so cute and very soft when completed! Recommended for beginners. 

Woolbuddy Needle Beginner Felting Kit

$25.49

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06/23/2026 02:01 pm GMT

18. Screen Printing on Fabric

Learn the art of fabric screen printing with this unique gift! This silk screen printing kit includes a reusable wooden mold, fabric and puffy paint, stencils, paintbrush, silk screen squeegee and tape, as well as a canvas backpack kids can add their designs to! Recommended for children ages 10 and up. 

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Kids Screen Printing Kit- with Fabric Paint, Frame, Stencils & Squeegee Plus Drawstring Bag & More, Screen Print, Silkscreening Ki...

$14.49

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06/23/2026 10:01 pm GMT

19. Paper Quilling

Children can learn the ancient art of quilling with this fun modernized quilling machine! Transform a few simple strips of paper into adorable objects that are absolutely irresistible with this crafts for ages 6 and up!

Paper Quilling Kit with Electric Quilling Tool

$29.99

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06/24/2026 10:02 am GMT

Growing Plants

20. Growing Microgreens with Kids

Micogreens are packed with 40 times the vitamins and minerals of their mature plants. Learn how to grow 6 types of microgreens with this kit! Children of all ages can help with various steps of growing microgreens! 

Back to the Roots DIY Microgreen Grow Kit, 6-Grow Variety Pack

$34.99

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06/23/2026 05:02 pm GMT

21. Growing Fungi with Kids

Try growing different types of fungi! These are so fun to watch grow and in 10 days, you can harvest and eat your mushrooms! Children of all ages can help with various steps of growing fungi!

Back to the Roots Organic Mushroom Grow Kit - Oyster and Pink Mushroom 2-Pack Variety - Indoor Non-GMO Growing Kit - Produces 3-4 Servings and Grows in 10 Days

$38.99

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06/24/2026 09:03 am GMT

22. Root Viewer Garden

This tomato garden kit has everything you need to grow mini tomato plants on your window sill any time of the year. There are even cute plant markers that you can paint and stick in the planter! Children of all ages can help with various steps of growing tomatoes! 

Vegetable Root Viewer - Indoor Planter with Window to Watch Roots as They Grow. Engaging Science Project for Kids and Students

$9.99

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06/24/2026 09:01 am GMT

23. Growing Flowers with Kids

Paint and plant your own small flower garden with this sweet flower kit! Grow marigolds, zinnias, and cosmos with the step by step instructions included with this kit. Children of all ages can help with various steps of growing flowers!

Complete Paint & Plant Flower Growing Kit for Kids

$19.99

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06/23/2026 02:02 pm GMT

24. Indoor Hydroponic System with Lights

Grow plants any time of year with this kit! This system includes eight planting pods and comes with planting baskets, sponges, and nutrients in order to get more plants at one time and allow plants to grow up to three times faster and healthier than traditional way. Children of all ages can help with various steps of growing plants with this system!

Indoor Garden Hydroponics Growing System

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25. Growing Sprouts with Kids

We have grown sprouts many times and it’s always so much fun! This complete kit is easy to use and includes instructions. Children of all ages can help with various steps of growing sprouts!

Complete Sprouts Growing Kit - 2 Large Wide Mouth Mason Jars with Sprouting Screen Lids/Tray/Sprouter Stand/Blackout Sleeves - for Growing Microgreens/Broccoli/Alfalfa/Mung Bean Sprouts

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26. Gardening Tools for Kids

Gets outside and grow something beautiful with this gardening tool set for kids! This kit includes a child sized wheelbarrow, watering can, gloves, hand rake, shovel, double hoe, cultivator, hedge clippers and washable apron. Recommended for ages 3 and up.

Cute Kids Gardening Tool Set, Garden Toys with Wheelbarrow, Watering Can, Gardening Gloves, Hand Rake, Shovel, Trowel, Double Hoe, Apron with Pockets

$35.23

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06/23/2026 02:03 pm GMT

27. Raised Garden Planter for Kids

Give kids easy access to their very own garden with this planter! This planter kit includes multiple ways to grow plants, a garden guide and tools. 

Seed to Sprout Raised Garden Planter, Kids Outdoor Garden Kit with Garden Tools for Growing Flowers or Vegetables, Green

$59.99

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06/24/2026 12:02 pm GMT

28. Farm to Table Farmers Market Stand

This fun dramatic play set will encourage imagination and offers many ways for little ones to play! Grow fruits and veggies and then sell them at your very own pretend farmers market stand!  Recommended for kids ages 24 months and up. 

Little Tikes® 3-in-1 Garden to Table Market, Pretend Garden Food Growing and Selling

$74.99

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06/23/2026 10:02 pm GMT

Cooking

29. Cooking and Baking Kit with Functional Tools

This 31 piece cooking and baking kit comes with kid-friendly cooking and baking tools and recipe cards specifically designed for kids! Recommended for kids ages 6 and up. 

31 Pcs Kids Cooking & Baking Set for Kids

$34.99

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06/24/2026 09:03 am GMT

30. Raddish Kids Subscription Box

Learn about new cultures and cuisines each month with this subscription cooking box! Each month, you will get a new box with 3 illustrated recipes cards, cooking tools and shopping lists. Raddish boxes are recommended for kids ages 4 and up. 

31. Play Kitchen Accessories

Have a little one at home?! Try this fun dramatic play set to help foster a love for cooking at a young age! There are some very fun and unique pieces in this kit. 

Pretend Play Kitchen Toy with Cookware, with Steam Pressure Pot and Electronic Induction Cooktop, Cooking Utensils, Toy Cutlery, Cut Play Food, and Shopping Basket

$35.09

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06/23/2026 10:02 pm GMT

Outdoorsmen Gifts

32. Fishing Gear

Teach the skill of fishing with this gift! This set includes a fishing pole, travel bag, fishing book, lures and more accessories! 

Kid s Fishing Pole Kit with Spinning Reel - 62 Piece Tackle Bag, 4lb Line, Including Beginner s Guide eBook, Toddler Fishing Pole Combo, Youth Telescopic Portable Rod, and Gea...

$39.99

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06/23/2026 05:02 pm GMT

33. Tackle Box

Speaking from experience, children love tackle boxes with a lot of compartments! That’s why I picked this one. But, if you are looking for one that’s a little smaller, try this one or this one!

Ready-Set-Fish 3-Tray Tackle Box with Tackle, Aqua Blue/Tan

$24.68

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06/23/2026 10:01 pm GMT

34. Adventure Vest and Accessories

Get kids outside and exploring with this fun gift! It includes a vest, sun hat, backpack, compass, magnifying glass, binoculars, light, bug jar, whistle and more! Recommended for kids ages 3 and up. 

Kids Explorer Kit with Safari Vest & Hat & Kids Camping Gear, Safari Outfit, Bug Catcher Kit for Kids & More

$34.97

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06/23/2026 10:01 pm GMT

35. Kid’s Head Lamp

This is a great gift for children that like to fish or explore in the evening! This gift is hands-free, hassle-free and convenient.

Hands-Free Headlamp, Long Range, Non-Slip Grip, High Power, Impact Resistant, Adjustable Light Modes, and Battery Powered

$12.95

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06/24/2026 02:02 am GMT

36. Archery Practice

Help children learn the skill of archery with this fun toy! Recommended for children 6 and up.

Kids Archery Set with LED Flash Lights, Toy Bow and Arrow Set, Includes Archery Bow, 6 Archery Arrows, Target, Quiver - Great for Youth Practice

$26.99

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06/23/2026 10:03 pm GMT

I hope you enjoyed this skills-based list of gifts for kids!

∼Tara

The post Skills-Based Gifts for Children appeared first on Little Pine Learners.

I had this fun idea to make icy bird feeders, but wanted to make sure it was safe for birds to land on and eat from in cold temperatures. 

So I did a little research and came across this fun fact! According to Bird Note, “Birds have a miraculous adaptation that keeps their feet from freezing. They have a netlike pattern of arteries that interweaves blood from a bird’s heart with the veins carrying cold blood from its feet and legs. The system cools the blood so the little blood that goes down to the feet is already cold, so the birds don’t lose much heat. The small amount that goes to the feet is likely just enough to keep the feet from freezing.” Pretty cool, right?!

Ready to make a winter bird feeder or two?! Here’s what you’ll need–

Supplies:

• • Tin cans- 2 sizes. I used tin cans that are smaller than the typical soup size because I wanted to make sure the bird feeder was light enough to hang from our trees. If you can’t find small tin cans, you can always just set the bird feeders on the ground! I also suggest finding tin cans that don’t have the pull tab openings. They leave a lip at the top of the can, making it difficult to wiggle to frozen bird feeder from the mold.  
  • Water
  • Stones
  • Tape
  • Biodegradable twine
  • Cranberries, oranges, or juniper berries- Birds can peck at the fruit as well!

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Related: Check out How to Make Ice Lanterns

Here’s How We Made this Winter Bird Feeder:

Step 1:

Fill up your larger can, a little less than half way with water. If you add too much, just pour some out!

Step 2:

Fill the smaller can with stones and place it in the center of the larger can. Tape the cans to anchor the smaller can in the center of the larger can. Make sure the smaller can isn’t tipping to one side or your lantern will have one very thin side. 

Step 3:

Place your fruity pieces of bird food in the section filled with water. Try orange slices, cranberries, or juniper berries! At this point, place the piece of twine in the water filled section as well. Make sure the twine extends to at least half way down the tin can so it doesn’t become loose when you remove the frozen bird feeder from the tin cans. 

Step 4:

Place your bird feeders in the freezer or outside if it’s cold enough. 

Step 5:

Once your ice bird feeders are frozen, peel the tape off and take the stones out of the smaller can. Gently run warm water around the larger can and fill the smaller can with warm water as well. Melt just enough of the ice to wiggle the cans free from the bird feeder. Don’t let the warm water sit too long or it might melt too much of the bird feeder. 

Place some bird seed in the middle and you are all finished!

We enjoyed walking around our yard and finding different spots to hang our bird feeders. We hung them in different trees and placed a couple on a table near our window so we could watch the birds from indoors!

The looked beautiful everywhere that we put them! 

Pin it and save it for later!

I hope you try making a winter bird feeder! I promise, your little nature lovers will love it as much as my boys.

∼Tara

Need more simple nature ideas?! Check out:

DIY Pebble Art for Kids

DIY Bowls Made of Beeswax

The post Winter Bird Feeder Made of Ice appeared first on Little Pine Learners.

If you are looking for an easy and beautiful Christmas nature craft, this is it! This clay dish is absolutely stunning and I have perfected a process that makes this activity possible for even the littlest hands. We made nature pinch pots last spring with pressed flowers, but this clay dish is even easier to make!

Ready to make one? Here’s what you’ll need….

Supplies:

• Arborvitae branch
• Air Dry Clay
• Matte Mod Podge
• Sticker gems– If you want to turn your tree into a Christmas tree!

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RELATED: Check out Mini Christmas Tree Lantern

Here’s How We Made Our Clay Dish:

Step 1:

Roll out the clay. A rolling pin is very handy and makes this step a bit easier, but you can flatten the clay with your hands as well. 

I do want to mention that we used old clay and it was sitting in a closed container for about a month. This makes it easier to work with because it’s slightly harder and more moldable than brand new clay. Brand new clay will also work, but it won’t hold it’s shape as well. You can always purchase your clay, open it and cover it again, and let it sit overnight. That should help!

Step 2:

Make your dish shape. You can either find something round from your home and cut around it with a knife or press a round piece of Tupperware into your rolled out clay. 

If you used a round piece of Tupperware, then gently wipe away the excess clay and gently squeeze the container to loosen the clay dish. 

Step 3:

Wipe some Mod Podge onto your clay dish. You can use your finger or a foam brush for this step. 

Step 4:

Place the evergreen piece on the Mod Podge and gently press it into the clay. We tried the pinch pot method for this dish first and that didn’t work because the bottom part of the pot was rounded. The evergreen pieces “like” this flat surface much more and did not curl up from the dish while drying. 

Finish this step by adding one more layer of Mod Podge on the evergreen piece. 

Step 5:

Let your clay dish dry for about an hour. This will slightly harden your clay and make it easier to mold the curved edges. Then revisit your clay dishes and start pinching the edges to curve them up!

You can also continue to gently press down the evergreen pieces at this point or add a little more Mod Podge if you see any pieces sticking up. 

Now let them dry for about 2 day. After they are dried, you can leave the tree bare OR…..

OR try gluing cute gem ornaments to the tree! 

Either way, your clay dish will be stunning!

Pin this activity to save it for later!

I hope you make a clay dish! I promise, your little nature lovers will love this craft as my boys.

∼Tara

Looking for more Christmas activity ideas?! Check out:

Irresistible DIY Reindeer Ornament

Pine Tree Jar Lanterns

The post Clay Dish with Evergreen Pieces appeared first on Little Pine Learners.