Before you know it, Christmas will be here. Will your kids be giving gifts, or just getting them? I resolved years ago that my children would work to give gifts whenever possible - not just things they pick out in a store and I pay for, and not just things they save money to pay for, but homemade gifts that require time, effort, and thought to create. Because I want giving to come as naturally to them as possible.

But the trick is, to keep it stress free and do-able, you have to start NOW. And you need to consider your child's age; it's not reasonable to expect a 5 year old to make something for your entire extended clan, for example. He could, however, make something for his sister - and maybe his parents.

Here are a few of the ideas I've gathered for my children to choose from.

* Woven pot holders. Several years ago, my daughter received a pot holder making loom as a gift. Ever since, she's used it to make gifts for others. She can do this almost completely by herself (she's eight), though she does need help finishing off the edges.

* Handprint scarf. This is another easy project that requires no real sewing skill.

* These fleece scarves are also easy, especially if you use fabric glue.

* Ladybug pin cushion. This takes very minimal sewing skills and is a great gift for someone who sews or does needlework.

* Bookmarks. Use felt (which can be purchased in rectangles singularly or in packs at craft stores or Wal-Mart) for an easy to sew project. (You could also use fabric glue.) Gather more ideas here, here, here, here, and here.

* If your child's sewing or embroidery is relatively neat, this cute Tic-Tac-Toe game is a great choice.

* Sachets are always a welcome gift for women. This one requires only minimal sewing skill. I'd probably pink the edges of the fabric with pinking shears. Again, you could substitute sewing for fabric glue.

* If your child can use a sewing machine - even if only minimally - this bandana quilt/tablecloth is a terrific and easy project.

* Or try this bandana tote bag.

* Christmas tree ornament. This simple felt and button design is so easy almost any child can do it. If you prefer, use fabric glue instead of stitches.

* Teach your child simple fingerknitting, and he or she could make a simple scarf for someone.

* Any drawing or painting is a great choice, too, especially if the child creates something just for the gift receiver - perhaps focusing on something that person loves. (You can dress it up a bit, if you like, by framing it with an inexpensive 8 x 10 or document frame.)

* Food gifts. If your child can measure, she can make gifts in a jar. Or if he can bake essentially on his own, baked goods wrapped nicely are a good gift.

* Soap balls.

* Swirly paint Christmas balls.

* Scrapbooks of a special event earlier in the year.

* Photo magnets.

* Felt key rings. Again, these can be as simple or complex as you like, and you may substitute fabric glue for stitching.