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By Amanda Boyarshinov 18 Comments

Holiday Bear Easy and Budget Friendly DIY Gift

Simple Craft = Simple Gift for Teachers and Friends.

We want our children to learn to think of others during the holiday season, with the ultimate goal of teaching the concept that “giving is better than receiving.” We are trying to stay on a budget, but are so fortunate to have so many wonderful friends, neighbors, and teachers to shop for.  For the last two years we have made these adorable snowman candy bars, and I will have to admit, this year I was stuck on what to do.  These guys are really hard to beat.

It really is hard to find something special, preferably hand-made and usable for everyone special on our list. While reading one of my 3 year old sons favorite Christmas books to him this morning, I found my inspiration!!! You Can Do It, Sam is an adorable story about a momma bear and her cub.  They make cakes for all of their neighbors, wrap them in red bags and head out to deliver them to their friends.  As they stop at each house, Mrs. Bear encourages her cub, Sam, to take the cakes by himself.  This story fits right in with what we are trying to teach our children AND the bears are VERY cute. And so, the Bear Holiday Candy Bars were born! These bar covers are great for any holiday; Christmas, Valentines Day… and I bet you could even make a cute egg for him to hold and he could be an Easter Bear! (or give him long ears and make him a bunny)

Not only is this project budget friendly at slightly over $2 each, this gift is also hand made with love (and yummy!)  It allows our young learners to practice following directions and has a little bit of fine motor work as well.

You will need
Construction Paper
Scissors
Tape and or glue
Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Bar
ribbon for the bow
and a marker

Cut, wrap, tape, draw, tie and your done!!! If you have little helpers like I do, I found it streamlined the process to have a bunch of bear parts already pre-cut and ready to go.  For my 3 year old, I put the glue dots on the bears first, but my 6 year old did that part herself!    We talked about how we were going to deliver our Holiday Bears to our neighbors and my toddler was BEARY excited.  He said, “Can I do it myself, like Sam?” “Yes,” I said, we can deliver them, just like Sam did!
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Filed Under: Arts, Kids Activities Tagged With: Activities for Preschoolers, Christmas, Gift Ideas, Playful Preschool, Teacher Gift Ideas, Toddler, Winter

About Amanda Boyarshinov

K - 12 masters reading teacher, author and mom to 3. Amanda is a National Board Certified teacher with oodles of experience in early childhood education.

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Comments

  1. Rebekah says

    December 7, 2012 at 2:54 pm

    I just love these. This would be a great idea if you were giving someone a book as a gift too.

    Reply
  2. Kelly at Little Wonders' Days says

    December 7, 2012 at 5:08 pm

    These are so cute! I like that the kids can help be involved with the gift too.

    Reply
  3. Raising a Happy Child says

    December 7, 2012 at 8:43 pm

    Very cute indeed! You have a lot of great ideas for the holidays!

    Reply
  4. Susan Case says

    December 7, 2012 at 8:45 pm

    Wonderful post. Such a happy little boy. Pinning this on my service board. Love it.

    Reply
  5. Leanna @ Alldonemonkey says

    December 9, 2012 at 12:58 am

    These are adorable! And my son loves this book too, so he would really enjoy this!

    Reply
  6. Diana - FreeStyleMama says

    December 12, 2012 at 11:52 am

    Cute!

    Reply
  7. Rachel Harwood says

    December 13, 2012 at 4:56 am

    These are so sweet! What a fun and simple gift! Thanks for sharing at For the Kids Fridays! I'm featuring your post at this week's party!!!

    :)Rachel @ http://www.SunScholars.com

    Reply
  8. Jessica says

    December 13, 2012 at 10:09 am

    That is really cute! If I wasn't making cookies for everyone this year, I'd make these! Who knows- maybe I'll make a few anyway as "ad-ons". Thanks for the adorable idea, I found you via Super Link Party, now following. T

    Reply
  9. Lovingmama says

    December 13, 2012 at 10:57 am

    LOVE this spin on it!

    Reply
  10. Lovingmama says

    December 13, 2012 at 10:58 am

    I agree!

    Reply
  11. Lovingmama says

    December 13, 2012 at 10:58 am

    Thanks =)

    Reply
  12. Lovingmama says

    December 13, 2012 at 10:59 am

    He was happy, but sad that I wouldn't let him open the presents. I was thinking and planning ahead and pre-wrapped the candybars so he didn't know what was inside. Otherwise, he would have unwrapped them on the spot!

    Reply
  13. Lovingmama says

    December 13, 2012 at 11:00 am

    Yeah! It isn't a popular book, but so sweet!

    Reply
  14. Lovingmama says

    December 13, 2012 at 11:01 am

    Thanks!

    Reply
  15. Lovingmama says

    December 13, 2012 at 11:02 am

    Awe – thanks Rachael!!!

    Reply
  16. Lovingmama says

    December 13, 2012 at 11:05 am

    Thanks Jessica. I haven't baked many cookies this year. With 3 (one still a newborn) I am using my bread machine more and have neglected the cookie press! I'm sure your cookie recipients will be super excited!

    Reply
  17. Ramona says

    December 23, 2016 at 2:24 pm

    How adorable and very versatile. A pastel ribbon for Mother’s Day, a necktie for Father’s Day, as is for St. Patrick’s Day and maybe pink or red for Valentines Day! I am sold and pinning this one for sure. Thank you.

    Reply

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