Kid-Made Gifts for Aunts and Uncles

By Kelly · Updated 2026-10-17

Gifts created by children are often the most cherished items for extended family members. These projects focus on simple assembly and personalization, allowing kids to produce a finished product that is both functional and sentimental for aunts and uncles.

Washi Tape Patterned Photo Frame

ages 3+ · 15 min · about $3

  1. Remove the glass or plastic insert and the cardboard backing from the wood frame.
  2. Select a roll of washi tape and press the end onto one corner of the frame face.
  3. Pull the tape across the length of the wood, smoothing it down with a finger to ensure there are no air bubbles.
  4. Trim the tape ends flush with the edges of the frame using scissors, or wrap the excess around to the back.
  5. Repeat this process with different patterns until the wooden surface is entirely covered.
  6. Optional: Apply a thin layer of decoupage glue over the tape to prevent the edges from peeling over time.
  7. Insert the photograph and reassemble the frame.

Hand-Stapled Joke Book

ages 6+ · 30 min · under $1

  1. Stack the three sheets of cardstock and fold them in half widthwise to create a 6-page booklet.
  2. Place two staples along the folded crease to bind the pages together.
  3. On the cover, have the child write 'Jokes for Auntie' or 'Uncle’s Joke Book' using markers.
  4. Inside, have the child write one joke per page. For younger children, a grown-up can write the text while the child dictates.
  5. Use the remaining space on each page for the child to draw an illustration of the joke's punchline.
  6. Encourage the child to color the background of each page to fill the white space.

Kid-Illustrated Snack Recipe Cards

ages 5+ · 20 min · about $1

  1. Identify a simple snack or treat that the child enjoys making, such as trail mix or ants on a log.
  2. Write the name of the recipe at the top of the index card in clear block letters.
  3. List the necessary ingredients on the left side of the card.
  4. Ask the child to draw the finished snack on the right side of the card using colored pencils.
  5. On the back of the card, write 1-2 simple steps for assembly.
  6. Place the card inside a laminating pouch or cover both sides with clear contact paper to protect the card from kitchen spills.

Safety and Preparation

When working with scissors or staplers, provide direct supervision for children under age 6. To prevent marker bleed-through on the recipe cards or joke books, always work on a protected surface like a silicone mat or a stack of newspaper.