In today's digital world, it’s easy for both kids and adults to spend hours in front of screens. But taking a break from gadgets and engaging in hands-on activities can be incredibly rewarding. This holiday season, why not create lasting memories with your children through creative projects? Whether it’s a rainy afternoon or a planned family craft day, these screen-free ideas will keep everyone entertained while fostering creativity and togetherness.
1. Pressed Flower Bookmarks – A Beautiful Keepsake
One of the simplest yet most delightful projects you can do as a family is making pressed flower bookmarks. This activity allows children to explore nature, learn about different flowers, and create something practical and artistic at the same time.
How to make them:
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Take a walk outside and collect small flowers and leaves. Choose vibrant colours and delicate shapes.
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Press them inside a heavy book lined with parchment paper. Leave them for about a week to dry completely.
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Once dried, arrange the flowers on a sturdy piece of cardstock, thick paper, or a transparent plastic sheet.
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Carefully glue them in place, or use adhesive laminate to seal them.
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Punch a hole at the top and tie a ribbon or tassel for a finishing touch.
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Enjoy your new bookmark or gift it to a loved one!
These bookmarks are not only practical but also serve as beautiful reminders of your creative time together. They make wonderful gifts for teachers, grandparents, or friends, adding a personal and handmade touch to reading moments.
2. Hand-Embroidery for Beginners – Stitching as a Family
Embroidery is a relaxing, meditative activity that children and adults alike can enjoy. Start with simple floral patterns or initials and gradually try more intricate designs. This is a wonderful opportunity to pass down traditional crafting skills while creating personalised pieces that will be treasured for years.
Benefits of embroidery for kids:
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Improves fine motor skills
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Encourages patience and focus
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Allows for self-expression and creativity
Getting started:
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Choose a simple embroidery hoop and fabric (cotton works best for beginners).
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Select a few thread colours that inspire you.
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Start with basic stitches like the running stitch, backstitch, and French knot.
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Let kids draw a simple design on the fabric with a washable marker before stitching.
Embroidery can be done over multiple sessions, making it a great ongoing project during school holidays. The end result is a beautiful, handmade piece that children can proudly display or gift to someone special.
3. Upcycled Home Decor – Transforming Old into New
Turn old household items into beautiful home decor with a fun upcycling project! Gather unused fabric, mason jars, or wooden frames, and let your children decorate them with embroidery, paint, or pressed flowers.
Ideas to try:
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Decorative Jars: Attach dried flowers to the outside of a mason jar using Mod Podge, then use it as a candle holder or vase.
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Framed Fabric Art: Have kids embroider their initials or a simple pattern on fabric, then frame it as unique wall decor.
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Handmade Scrapbook: Use handmade bookmarks, handwritten notes, and dried flowers to create a memory book from recycled paper.
Upcycling not only sparks creativity but also teaches kids the value of sustainability. It’s a great way to encourage them to see the potential in everyday objects rather than discarding them.
4. Storytime and Bookmark Swap – A Cosy Evening Together
After a day of crafting, why not finish with a storytelling session? Each family member can use their handmade pressed flower bookmark and choose a favourite book to read together. You can even swap bookmarks as a special keepsake.
To make it even more special, create a storytelling game where one person starts a story, and each family member adds to it. This encourages imagination and creative thinking, making for a fun and engaging evening.
Why a Screen-Free Holiday Matters
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Strengthens family bonds: Crafting together encourages teamwork and shared experiences.
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Enhances creativity and problem-solving skills: Hands-on activities help develop innovative thinking.
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Reduces screen time fatigue: A break from digital devices can improve focus and relaxation.
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Creates handmade memories that last a lifetime: The things you create together become treasured keepsakes.
This holiday season, take a step back from screens and dive into the joy of crafting together. Whether you’re pressing flowers, stitching embroidery, or upcycling old treasures, these activities will bring you closer as a family while allowing creativity to flourish.
Make this holiday season one to remember—with hands, hearts, and creativity leading the way!
