Unique Gifts For Children

SAND PAILS ARE NOT JUST FOR THE BEACH One way to create a unique gift to children is to purchase a large sand pail (plastic is fine), and small shovel of the type used for the beach. Fill it with smaller gifts that will keep little ones busy in the car for that ride to the seaside. A book fits nicely into the pail, along with educational flash cards or other eye-catching toys. Pack in a few useful items for after you arrive. Don't forget to put in several small plastic bags with slider top closures. These are great for wet, sandy shells children love to collect. Add in a few inflatable float toys and you have a unique summertime gift.But, what do you do with a sand pail when winter arrives? Why not make your child a souvenir of their summer fun? Fill the pail with sand so it resembles the beach. Your child can help make tide ripples. Add in those seashells they collected. Have them make a paper beach umbrella in a bright color to make it authentic. Let them choose a spot in their room where it will catch their eye when the snow is falling outside. They'll be the only child on the block with their own personal beach!A "FUN" MONEY TREE For cash savvy, older children, a unique gift for preteens and teenagers is a "money tree". Save the tube from a used paper towel roll. Depending on how much cash you'll put on the tree, cut the tube to your desired size. Using a 1/4" thick newspaper section fashioned into a cone shape, fold one edge in over the other until a tight, "tree" is formed. Use a glue gun or staples to secure the edge.

Trim bottom edges evenly. Cover with comics or paper stamped with their favorite icon. Then, glue your currency to this. Glue coins between the paper currency to give the "money tree" balance. Don't forget to add a sparkly silver or gold bow.CREATIVE UNIQUE STUDENT GIFTS Students love large plastic file totes full of pencils, pens, a ream of paper, notepads, stapler, scissors, clips and stationary. When it's empty, it's perfect for research papers or exam papers.For a unique college "Dorm Warming" gift, fill a wicker laundry basket with items a student might need like detergent, fabric softener, paper towels, tissues, an extra hand towel---even some lavender sachets to keep closet drawers fresh. When the basket is empty, it's a very convenient hamper college students can just tote off to the nearby launderette.UNIQUE RECESSION-PROOF CHILDREN'S GIFTS Instead of spending a lot of money on a single item, purchase a quantity of useful, educational and fun things and turn them into a "unique" gift. You'll feel secure in the knowledge that your child will derive greater fun and enjoyment "getting to the bottom" of your creative gift. By Robert Grazian