My daughters are adults and have been for several years, but right here on my desk I have a not-quite-symmetrical heart-shaped clay bowl that holds my paper clips. It’s not as smooth as a store-bought container, but it was made by Ellen when she was ten years old. I also have an ivy plant in a pot fashioned from a liter bottle created by Polly when she was in the third grade. Of course, I cherish both.

I would guess that there are lots of these children-made gifts resting with pride on the desks of parent, odd little objects that will never get anywhere near the trash.

Urging your kids to make gifts for others has many advantages. It fosters creativity, encourages good use of their time, makes them think of others—and possibly saves money.

The possibilities for hand-crafted gifts are endless and books on the subject are easy to check out at any of the eight branches and bookmobile of the Springfield-Greene County Libraries.

Who wouldn’t want to receive a child-made frame? And getting a photo of the kid tucked inside is a real bonus to a friend or relative. “Make Your Own Fun Frames!” by Matt Phillips gives 25 ideas, all starting with a simple cardboard base.

Your kid will need help with the tools, but “Build-Your-Own Birdhouse 1-2-3” by Kimberly Weinberger features clear directions and illustrations. Crayon soap, lollipop soap—even bubble bath, “Totally Cool Soapmaking for Kids” by Marie Browning is good clean fun. Most of the projects use slivers of leftover soap.

Crocheting and knitting is even cool with teens these days. Even boys are doing it. The drawstring purse featured in “Kids Knit!” by Sarah Bradberry is nifty as are the space balls in “Crochet” by Jane Davis.

“Gifts to Make for Your Favorite Grownup” by Kathy Ross gives instructions for making a wide range of projects, such as Napkin Flower Pot, Rope Trivet, Necktie Pencil Can, Hanging Potpourri Holder and Expandable Map Holder.

If it’s pretty things you’re after, you can’t go wrong with “Christmas Crafts: Fun, Fancy Gifts to Make and Give,” an American Girl Library book. Ideas for gifts include beaded boxes, magical wands, angel kisses and Christmas coasters.

There are many more craft books where these came from—the shelves of your local library.