As you write your holiday shopping list, consider giving your child the gift of creativity in the form of your own homemade "kit." This personally assembled gift takes a little bit of time to put together, about as much as you'd spend going to the mall to search for the latest gizmo. But when you child opens the present, you'll see the light dawn in his eyes.
The centerpiece of the gift kit is your child's special passion or a newfound interest you would like to encourage, such as caring for your new pet. With all the bits and pieces together, the combo gift will have meaning and will last long into the new year and, perhaps, for a lifetime. Not bad for a box with a bow on it, is it?
Imagination kit: Fill a storage container with new tape, paper doilies, pipe cleaners, crayons, construction paper, glitter, glue, pencil sharpener and other colorful, cool stuff.
Repair kit: This gift -- comprising a screwdriver, masking tape, tweezers and glue -- makes it easy for your child to be responsible for keeping a favorite toy in shape. Or, if your child loves an activity such as skateboarding, combine all the tools, gadgets and gizmos for fixing and rebuilding a skateboard. Place in a tool kit with many compartments.
Kitchen capers kit: Assemble recipe cards and ingredients to prepare a snack or for a craft such as play clay. Add a special kitchen tool, pan or bowl. Kids especially love miniature muffin tins and a colorful spatula or measuring spoons.
Photography kit: When your child is old enough to receive her first camera, include simple photo tips and instructions written by you, a photo album, decorative items and pens for mounting the pictures once they are developed. The darkroom supplies with all the chemicals may come later as your child matures.
Car care kit: For your teen who has just received her driver's license, fill a bucket with soap, chamois and upholstery cleaner to help keep the family car in condition.
Donna Erickson's new book, "Donna's Day: Fun Activities that Bring the Family Together" (HarperCollins), is available in bookstores nationwide. (C) Donna Erickson. Dist. by King Features Syndicate