I purchased the wine barrel pot quite cheaply from one of our discount shops and then took the girls shopping at the local nursery. You can use most containers for little pots…just make sure you drill some drainage holes in the bottom.The children always love to help me choose seedlings and as we picked the herbs I made sure to let them smell and touch each one. We also chose a mini tomato and mini capsicum…haven't tried them before but I hope they will perform well in their little pot. I added a few varieties of lettuce, some rocket, basil, spinach, oregano and parsley and we were set!
We filled with potting mix and then the girls had great fun making holes and helping me plant the makings of a homegrown salad! I added a little solar light and cute froggie ornament (my Mum loves frogs!) and then stood back as the children went to work watering the seedlings with their watering cans. Planting herbs and salad greens is so easy…no need to worry about spacing and digging deep holes and they are just the perfect sensory experience for children! There is also lots of opportunity to chat about the different types of plants and how we might use them.
I think it came up really well as a unique gift that can be enjoyed for some time to come. We made this one a little early as we had a visit from Gran last week and it is definitely too difficult to post! But really you could pot them up a few weeks before Christmas so now is the perfect time to get started on that gift for Grandma or Grandpa or other special family members and friends. This type of present works well on a smaller scale too which is perfect if you have a lot of children you are working with – just buy smaller pots or containers to plant out – simple!
We have made many homemade gifts for Grandparents over the years…unfortunately I wasn't blogging then so can't share photos with you but I have collected some fantastic ideas and inspiration for you from all around the Aussie blogging community…I do hope you drop by for a visit and find a special project you can enjoy with your children this Christmas…I know the Grandparents and loved ones in your life will feel very special indeed!
Childhood 101 share a very special Happy Jar for Grandma …I really loved this idea and very child focused in the making!
My Little Bookcase show us how to make some Swirled Glass Vases and Special Homemade Wrapping Paper ….I really want to try both of these….if only I had more hours in the day!!
Octavia & Vicki share a very special idea for making Homemade Cards and also some unique Coffee Filter Flowers as well as yummy Coconut Ice!
At Home with Ali share a clever Picture Puzzle gift box idea as well as these truly beautiful Paper Flowers!
Just for Daisy shows us how to create a Silhouette Canvas ….I have always wanted to try these and she makes it look so easy!
For a lovely gift from nature why not try these Contacted Leaves from Laughing Kids Learn.
Aspiring Mum shares a new way to give the gift of doilies with her Paper Doilie Prints This one is so easy for the kids to do!
I really love these Stainless ‘Glass' Bookmarks from Adventures at Home with Mum as they are just perfect for younger toddlers to do all by themselves with just a little help at the end!
Just for Daisy also created some colourful Thrifty Sharpie Platters for their family presents this year….we have always used an expensive special paint to create our plates and mugs so i am very excited to try a thriftier version using sharpies…Bek makes it look so easy in this post!
Remember to take a deep breath as we approach that Christmas countdown….‘Doesn't need to be perfect' is my mantra at the moment!
You can follow me on Pinterest, Instagram or Facebook for more ideas and inspiration!
There are some fabulous ideas here Jodie! 🙂 Thanks for featuring two from Just For Daisy – we have lots of fun making handmade gifts year round. Christmas time is extra fun!
I love the little salad garden you created for your mum. Such a thoughtful gift x
Thanks Bek…really loved your ideas…thanks for sharing with me x
Thanks for putting a link in to Aspiring Mum. There are some great ideas listed here. I really like handmade gifts for grandparents – it means so much more than just a token gift. I’m off to check out the other links….
I think so too Debbie…thanks for letting me share your wonderful activity!
I don’t know why I don’t make more homemade gifts for some of the grandparents who are otherwise hard to buy for or already have everything. You’ve given me something to think about….thanks!
Glad i could provide some inspiration…i know its hard to find the time sometimes though!
“Doesn’t need to be perfect” IS perfect! Thank you for the reminder that gifts the kids make are made the kids, not by us 🙂
Thanks Christie…i really do believe that 🙂
I love your garden in a pot – what a lovely gift. Thanks for including us too.
My pleasure Ali! I was particularly pleased with how the pot turned out…thanks x
We made shortbread cookies at kindy today and they do not look as good as yours, hmm maybe I shouldn’t cook. I love the plant present, I wish we didn’t kill plants so quickly in our house. Thanks for all the ideas, it is great to find a bunch all in the one place!
What a great list, Jodie 🙂 Thanks for including our happy jar. We actually recently added a whole new set of happy cards to my Mum’s jar – she loves it 🙂
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Thank you for the link up, just seeing that your readers have been visiting from your post, I appreciate the love xx
Thanks for linking this to Tuesday Tots. It’s featured in this week’s round up of DIY ideas for kids 🙂 You can see it here Jode http://www.learnwithplayathome.com/2013/01/6-simple-diy-ideas-for-kids.html 🙂