Gifts for Grandparents

Grandparents have a special place in our hearts. As parents, they nurtured and cared for us when we were little and as grandparents, they continue the tradition by loving our kids. Show these special people how much you love them by making them a unique grandparent gift.

Perfect Present for Pops

Touch a grandfather's heart with these cute hanging hearts that tell him he's special.

Time frame: One to two hours

Level: Moderately easy

What you need:

• Three unfinished wooden hearts
• White and powder blue craft paints
• Paintbrushes
• Drill with ¹⁄₄-inch drill bit
• Fine-tipped black marker
• Clear acrylic finish paint
• Cord or yarn
• Scissors

1. Paint two of the wooden hearts white and one powder blue and allow them to dry.
2. Drill a hole in the upper-left and -right sides of the three hearts.
3. Write the word “Pop-Pops” (or whatever you call this grandpa) on one white heart. Write the word “Are” on the blue heart and the word “Special” on the other white heart. Spray the three hearts with clear acrylic finish spray and allow them to dry.
4. Cut two pieces of cord or yarn approximately 12 inches long and string them through the left side hole of each white heart. Cut two pieces of cord or yarn approximately six inches long, and connect the two white hearts to the blue center heart. Form a bow in the ends of the cord or yarn that connects the hearts.

Sweet Sachets

Grandma will love these special sachets to sweeten up her clothes drawers or closets. Use several different scents as filler for variety.

Time frame: Two to three hours

Level: Moderately easy

What you need:

• Quilted material (You an use scraps or remnants for this project.)
• Scissors
• Pins
• Sewing machine or needle and thread
• Iron and ironing board
• Bag of sachet
• Lace or decorative trim

1. Cut a piece of quilted material 5 x 10 inches. Fold the material in half with right sides together to form a five x five-inch square. Pin two of the open sides together, and sew a ¹⁄₄-inch seam along the edges, leaving the third seam open to add the sachet.
2. Turn the bag onto the right side. Using an iron, press a hem into the two unsewn, wrong sides of the top of the bag.
3. Pour the sachet into the top of the bag. Cut a piece of trim or lace to the width of the bag. Cut a small tab (three inches) of trim or lace to use for a hanging tab. Fold the tab in half and pin the two ends to the center of the bag with the tab facing upward. Pin the piece of trim or lace across the top of the bag. Sew the top opening shut by sewing a seam over the trim and securing ends of the tab in the seam. The loop in the sachet bag is perfect for hanging over a garment hanger.

Happy Handprints

The grandkids' hands won't stay little forever. Capture their tiny prints in plaster for an awesome grandparent gift.

Time frame: One to two hours plus overnight to dry

Level: Moderately easy

What you need:

• Newspapers or plastic to protect the work area
• Apron to protect clothing
• Small bag or box of plaster (The eight-pound box is enough for a stepping stone mold; you can use a four-pound box for smaller molds.)
• Water
• Mixing bucket
• Stick or old spoon to mix the plaster
• Popsicle stick or trowel
• Plaster mold (stepping stone size or smaller)
• Small rubber or plastic glove
• Paintbrush
• Pieces of decorative glass or marbles
• Clear acrylic finish spray

1. Place plastic or newspaper over the work area. Protect clothing with an apron. Mix the plaster according to the directions on the box or bag. Pour the plaster into the mold and smooth the top with a Popsicle stick or trowel.
2. Put a small protective glove on your child's hand. Place the child's hand into the plaster to make a handprint. Remove the glove and wash the child's hand with soap and water. Write the child's name in the plaster with the end of a paintbrush.
3. Place the decorative glass pieces or marbles in a pattern around the handprint. Allow this to dry overnight before moving it.
4. Remove the plaster handprint from the mold and spray with clear acrylic finish spray. Allow it to dry thoroughly.

Excerpted from The Complete Idiot's Guide to Making Great Gifts © 2001 by Marilee LeBon. All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Used by arrangement with Alpha Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

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