Decide on a personalized CD type--a CD featuring the child's favorite music, the child singing songs or playing instruments or a mix. If you sing or play an instrument, consider adding your own talents to the CD. In addition, consider adding a personal message for the child--either as a recorded track to go with the music or a written note on a jewel case insert.
Save the music files to your computer or removable drive.
Organize the tracks in your CD burner software. Listen to the songs, acoustic or instrumental music and personal messages, and move the tracks in the playlist until you like the order.
Load a blank CD-R into your burner and follow the instructions that came with your burner.
Listen to the completed CD to make certain that the tracks recorded without any loss of data. Once you're finished, place the CD in its jewel case and set aside.
Gather any graphics or photos you want to use for the CD label and front and back case inserts. Create rough drafts of the label and inserts if you don't have a general idea for the CD's appearance. Consider designs that include the child's name with a descriptor. For example, you might use "Property of Samantha," "Jessica's CD," "Michael's Playlist" or "Nickie's Faves."
Open your desktop publishing, graphic design or photo software and load your images. Check your software's templates for CD labels and inserts. If it doesn't have CD templates, refer to Microsoft Office Online and Avery Dennison Corporation's free templates to use in word-processing software.
Arrange, layer and edit the graphics and photos and text on your templates. On the CD label template, list the track titles and artists, or make a non-track decorative label. On the front case insert, title the CD with the child's name or non-name CD title on a decorative background. For example, "Silly Songs," "Dance Music," "Favorite Soundtracks" or "Boom, Boom and Whistle." On the inside of the front case insert, or back insert, list the tracks and any additional information you want to include, such as a personal message if you didn't record one.
Print your CD label on the label paper and carefully peel it from the paper backing. Affix it to the top of the CD by lining up the hole in the label with the hole in the CD, then start at one side of the CD and slowly press the label across the surface.
Print your CD case inserts, air-dry completely and then slide them into your CD jewel cases.
Affix flat-back rhinestones or stickers to the plastic exterior of the jewel case for additional decoration and personalization.