When it comes to gift giving, many would agree that a handmade gift is more special than a gift you can buy in a store. This rings true during the Christmas season when gifts are often exchanged between family and friends. What better gift to give someone than one that was homemade with love and care?
Making Christmas DIY gifts is not only fun, but it’s also beneficial for seniors. According to the National Institute on Aging, participation in the arts “shows promise for older adults’ quality of life and well-being, from better cognitive function, memory, and self-esteem to reduced stress and increased social interaction.”
If you’re a senior looking for handmade gift ideas, you’ve come to the right place. Here are eight crafts that anyone, including older adults, can make for their loved ones during the holiday season. Time to gather those supplies, play some Christmas music, and get crafting!
If you’re looking for even more ideas, Pinterest is a great resource to find easy DIY Christmas gifts for seniors.
1. Handmade Christmas cards
The possibilities are endless when it comes to card making. A senior-friendly option includes using washi tape or buttons to create Christmas-themed images, like a Christmas tree, present, ornament, and more.
Residents of The Ashton at Anderson (right) thoroughly enjoyed making their cards.
What you’ll need:
- Construction paper or cardstock
- Washi tape
- Buttons
- Glue
- Additional embellishments: Glitter, paint, ribbon, or pictures
Instructions:
- Fold the construction paper or cardstock in half.
- On the front of the card, use washi tape or buttons and glue to make whatever creation you desire. Get as creative as you want!
- Write a heartfelt message on the inside of the card.
2. Painting projects
From painted frames to canvases and flower pots, painting is a versatile craft that makes for memorable Christmas gifts. Residents of The Waterford at Mesquite enjoying a painting activity with residents and team members (below).
What you’ll need:
- Acrylic or watercolor paints
- Paintbrushes
- Water and paper towels
- Your chosen medium: frame, canvas, flower pot, paper, etc.
Instructions:
- No matter what you’re painting, first decide what you want to portray. Do you want to paint a snowman? A Christmas tree? Maybe a winter wonderland scene? Whatever it may be, decide what you want to paint before diving into your project.
- Start by painting the background.
- Add the details of your painting by starting with lighter colors and then darker colors later on. When changing colors, use water to clean your paintbrush and dry off the brush.
- Wait for your masterpiece to dry before gifting.
- Further personalize your project by adding your name or a short message for the recipient.
If you’re an older adult who lives in a senior living community, ask your Activity Director to host a painting class. That way, you can get step-by-step instructions for the painting project you want to complete. There may also be painting classes you can join in your local community. It’s more fun to paint with others!
3. DIY Christmas ornaments
One of the most popular Christmas decorations is an ornament. Christmas ornaments are perfect for hanging on the Christmas tree or in other areas of your home to get in the festive mood. They also make great presents!
One resident at The Wellington at Conroe proudly displays his handmade Christmas globe ornament, while residents of Riverbend showcase their hand-painted wooden ornaments (below).
What you’ll need:
- Clear plastic ornament
- Decorative fillers: Fake snow, glitter, small pom-poms, mini pine cones, faux greenery, beads, pearls, ribbon, etc.
- Optional funnel
Instructions:
- Open the ornament by removing the top hook or opening it in half (depending on the style of ornament you have).
- Choose your fillers and add as many as you’d like. If needed, use a funnel to place tiny objects inside the ornament.
- For an additional embellishment, consider adding a ribbon or bow on the top of the ornament or use paint to add a message on the outside of the ornament.
4. DIY snowman
This DIY snowman is a fantastic gift for anyone of any age! A group of residents (below) at Aspen Grove gather around to create festive stockings to decorate their homes and gift to family.
What you’ll need:
- A long, white sock or an oven mitt
- A colorful sock for a hat
- Rice
- Ribbon
- Rubber bands
- Buttons
- Small pom-poms
- Permanent marker
- Scissors
- Glue (regular or a hot glue gun)
Instructions:
- Fill the sock or oven mitt with rice until you’re satisfied with the size of the snowman. Tie the top with a rubber band.
- Use another rubber band and place it in the middle/upper half of the snowman to create a head.
- Glue some buttons on the bottom half of the snowman.
- Draw the eyes, nose, and mouth using a permanent marker or pom-poms.
- Add a scarf by cutting out some ribbon and using glue to place it on the snowman. A hot glue gun works best for this.
- Cut the colored sock, roll it slightly, and place it on the head of the snowman.
5. DIY Christmas wreath
A DIY Christmas wreath adds a festive touch to any space. Making this wreath is an easy holiday craft for seniors.
Summit Corners resident (left) proudly displays her Christmas wreath adorned with bows, bells and holiday cheer.
What you’ll need:
- Foam wreath
- Ribbon
- Hot glue gun
- Floral pins
- Additional embellishments: Pinecones, faux greenery, ornaments, bows, etc.
Instructions:
- Wrap the foam wreath with ribbon. Make sure to wrap it tightly and secure it with glue or floral pins.
- Add any embellishments you desire using glue or floral pins.
- Consider adding a bow on the top or bottom of the wreath to add the finishing touch.
6. Mason jar snow globe
Do you have some mason jars lying around? Instead of not using them, try making this DIY mason jar snow globe. It is an excellent Christmas decoration to display in your home or to give as a present.
Residents of The Waterford at Mesquite create handmade snow globes (below).
What you’ll need:
- Mason jar
- Small tree ornament
- Glitter
- Clear glue
- Warm water
- Glue gun
- Spoon
Instructions:
- Use the hot glue gun to glue the bottom of the tree ornament to the lid of the mason jar. Set aside to completely dry.
- Add around two ounces of clear glue to the mason jar. Then, add one cup of warm water and stir the mixture with a spoon.
- Pour two tablespoons of glitter into the mixture and stir.
- Take the lid with the ornament and place it face down into the mason jar.
- Reseal the outer piece of the lid by twisting it tightly.
- Carefully shake the snow globe and enjoy!
7. Handmade scarf
Many older adults enjoy knitting as a pastime activity. During the Christmas season, why not use your knitting skills to make a handmade scarf for that special someone?
One of our residents at The Residence of Chardon enjoys festive holiday crafting with yarn and patterns.
What you’ll need:
- Yarn
- Knitting needles
- Tapestry needles
- Scissors
Depending on the knitting pattern you decide on, the instructions will vary. There are lots of free knitting patterns online if you don’t know where to start.
8. Personalized gifts
For the technologically-savvy senior, creating a personalized photo book, calendar, or recipe book would make for an excellent gift for the sentimental person in your life.
What you’ll need:
- A computer or laptop with a Wi-Fi connection
- Pictures downloaded to your device
Instructions:
- Make a free account on a personalized gift website of your choice (such as Snapfish or Shutterfly) or login to your existing account.
- Select the project you want to personalize. There are many opinions to pick from, like cards, calendars, photo books, mugs, or other home decor.
- Select your favorite template to get started on your project. Use the website’s filters to narrow down the kind of template you want to use.
- Upload all the photos you have saved on your computer that you want to use on the project.
- Customize the project to your heart’s content!
Create easy holiday crafts in a senior living community
Did you know Sonida Senior Living communities often offer craft projects for residents to partake in? Whether it’s the holiday season or summertime, residents get to enjoy creating a wide variety of crafts all year round, such as card making, painting, and more.
If you or a loved one is considering taking the next step and making the move to a senior living community, consider taking a tour of an independent living, assisted living, or memory care community near you.
Find a community
If you’re a senior or caregiver looking for independent living, assisted living or memory care services for you or your loved one, contact us to schedule a tour or request information about a community near you.
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