Books always make wonderful presents no matter the time of year. How-to and DIY books are especially fun to give as the recipient will have a new project or skill to learn once the holidays are over – or the day after they receive the book, if they’re extra excited to start learning! This week I’ve got a few books, all with a DIY theme to make items for kids or that kids will have fun enjoying with the family, that I’ll be giving to the craft lovers on my list.
The Ultimate Disney Party Book
By Jessica Ward (with Cynthia Littlefield)
You don’t have to have an actual event to host a party – any day or occasion is just fine when you’re thinking of throwing a Disney celebration! The Ultimate Disney Party Book offers eight character themes and more than 65 ideas to celebrate all-things Disney. Don’t think of this book as a guide for birthday parties only. The authors have created hands-on food, game and craft activities that can be enjoyed any time of year.
From Mickey to Aladdin, all of your child’s favorite characters are represented in this book. It’s a great mix of classic faces and newer heroes. My personal favorite project? Silly Mike Wazowski spoon puppets!
Origami Flowers Super Paper Pack
By Maria Noble
A brand-new pack of paper has endless possibilities. Pair that with a small how-to book and you’ve got guaranteed hours of creativity ahead. Maria Noble’s Origami Flowers Super Paper Pack focuses on learning origami folding by way of making flowers, from tulips to roses. The 32-page book offers big, full-color pictures of the finished flowers.
The paper included with the book is bright and vibrant. There are 232 pieces of paper for your child to enjoy that feature modern design elements: polka dots, geometric shapes, and stripes of colors and sizes.
For a child interested in origami, this is a great way to keep them folding through the winter months.
One-Skein Wonders for Babies
Edited by Judith Durant
Knitters will recognize the name Judith Durant from the popular “One Skein” series. In this book, Durant focuses on projects that are just for the babies we know. She’s gathered 101 projects that range from baby bootees to clothes and even knitted toys. This book doesn’t offer any knitting 101 tips. Instead, this is a book for an experienced knitter looking to make a new project for a little baby.
Flipping through the book you can’t help but smile at all of the adorable models showing off the knitted projects. One-Skein Wonders for Babies offers traditional ideas for gifts but presents fresh takes on them in the designs and yarns used. It’s a fantastic resource for knitters who’d love to make a baby gift but aren’t really sure what to make.
I really enjoyed how useful and practical the projects in the book are. There are sleeveless baby T-shirts which were paired with a long-sleeve romper, perfect for keeping baby warm in the cold days ahead of us. There are also patterns for baby sleep sacks to use both in baby’s crib and in the car.
As the holidays draw closer, what kind of craft books are on your family’s reading lists?
