To make a special gift that is perfect for storing paper clips, coins or just about anything, the child will need a clean, empty coffee or peanut can with a lid. Have the preschooler cut out letters or pictures that the recipient will enjoy. The child can then glue these items on the canister. Have the child glue a picture of himself on the lid of the can. Once everything has dried, have the child paint the entire can with glue that has been diluted with water. This will give the finished canister a shiny finish.
This project involves the use of fabric paints, paint brushes and a solid-color dishtowel. Have an adult apply fabric paint to the palm of the child's hand or to the sole of the child's foot. Have the child press her hand or foot down onto the dishtowel to create a print. Add the child's name and the date of the project with a fabric pen. Use the instructions of the manufacturer to heat-set the print.
You will need small boxes, collage materials to decorate (such as sequins, jewels, ribbons, feathers, glue) and a printed poem or message from the child. Have the preschool child decorate the box by gluing materials of his choosing onto the small box. Type up a cute poem or a message from the child, print it out and glue to a piece of poster board. Punch a hole on the top of the poster board and tie to the decorated box with ribbon.
Another easy-to-make gift for the preschooler is the bookmark or note holder. You will need a spring-type clothespin, two large craft sticks, heavy-duty glue or a glue gun, marker and stickers. Have the children decorate the craft sticks any way they like. Write the name of the child and the date of the project on craft stick. Glue the craft sticks onto the outer sides of the clothespin with the decorated sides out. Dry the finished project thoroughly. This project can be used to clip pages in a book, to hold a note card or to keep papers together.