What follows are directions for creating simple gifts for two to six-year olds. All require giving a little of yourself in preparing them, but remember that the time and care you spend become a part of the gift you give to your child. After assembling a gift, wrap it up in a fancy way, and it is sure to please your little one!

1.

A BELOVED VOICE

Record you or someone else your child loves reading a book, storytelling, making jokes, recalling memories, or singing. Include a photo of the person who made the recording. If a new story is read, wrap up the book with the recording for a special book/tape gift.

2.

SOMETHING FANCIED

Give something of yours that your child has always fancied: a scarf, a necklace, a special tie, goofy socks, etc.

3.

SOMETHING TREASURED

Wrap up a keepsake from your childhood that can be stored in a special place or on a wall or shelf in your older child's room for viewing pleasure and safekeeping: one of your favorite childhood books, or a wall hanging, poster, knick-knack, or anything that you treasured. Tell your child the story behind the keepsake, or write it down.

4.

TIME WITH YOU

Create a coupon for a special time for just you and your child. Chose something you think they would love and include a picture of it: sledding, walking on the beach, a visit to the ice cream store, a free concert, etc. Consider adding a trinket or object that symbolizes the time: a toy sled or a seashell.

More simple gifts to give a young child ahead--keep-a-going!