- Gather your materials. I am using old Christmas wrapping paper ( I swear this one roll has been around since the 90’s) , I find that using real wrapping paper makes it easier to actually wrap the gift, but any paper will work. Also I am using sponges for a more uniform look, but finger painting or another style is fine too! Of course you’ll need paint too, like usual I am mixing my own colors!
- Use a large piece of paper, larger than you think you will need and tape it face down to the table, or my favorite place a porch/ patio , the hose makes clean up easy!
- If you are sponge painting cut the sponge into small shapes.
- Pour some paint colors onto a dish and mix, this is one of my son’s favorite parts of art time!
- Start painting!
- Add more colors and keep going!Move your child around the paper for a more even pattern.
- Remember how I said use a large piece of paper? This is why, beware of toddlers who think ripping is fun! Luckily I saved enough of the paper for the gift!
- Let dry at least 24 hours, and wrap it in a place that is easy to clean as well, sometimes thick paint will flake off after wrapping. I suggest giving your box a good shake after wrapping.
” Babar’s Birthday Surprise”
by Laurent de Brunhof is a story about friends trying to keep a special present a surprise from Babar, and all the trouble it takes to do so. I like Babar books, especially the vocabulary found in the older Babar books, words like stupefied , splendid and catastrophe ! This is a longer book, I would probably not try this with younger preschoolers and toddlers but this is a great book for 4-5 year olds !” Moira’s Birthday” by Robert Munsch is a silly book, most of his books are, but silly is great! Moira is excited about having her birthday and doesn’t know how to say no to all the kids at school when they beg to come to her party. She ends up with the whole school at her house and her parents don’t know what to do! Luckily Moira does. This book at first look may seem like Moira is a spoiled brat who gets her way but really she is problem solving and when she gives away a present to each child who helps clean up, you can see she just wanted a good party, and isn’t a gift grabbing brat at all! Kids LOVE this book, I have never read it to a class that didn’t laugh hysterically.
“On the Night You Were Born” by Nancy Tillman is a beautiful book , maybe I am analyzing it too much but it’s really indulgent. Yes I think it’s message is right, everyone is special but what is wrong with just saying your mommy, daddy and family were excited that you were born, do we really need to tell kids that polar bears danced upon hearing the news? The pictures really are amazing I am just not a fan of the text.
Kyle, Missy, Avery, and Jessie says
I have become a huge fan of your blog. I am starting today with your hand print flower with my daughter and another friend. One question: Where do you store all your goodies? Do you keep a large supply around the house? Thanks, Missy
Allie says
Thanks!
It’s funny one of my good friends just asked me that and I had to admit I have a huge mess of a storage closet. I am usually very organized but even when I was teaching I had a spotless class and an abyss of an art closet under my stairs! I just can’t seem to get a full day off of mommy duties to re organize it.
Maybe I’ll do a parent’s corner with some must have art supplies and tips on organization , that might just be the motivation I need!