It depends on the age of the child.

With an infant, I’d suggest a craft that memorializes the child’s age rather than growth. I’d suggest a Shutterfly mug with the child’s face on one side, hand or foot print and year on the other.

For a toddler, I pick crafts they can personalize. In previous years, I took a child to Clay Cafe to paint a mug, had a child “make” a plate and similar. For this year, I’d recommend some type of air-dry moldable (non-crumbling!) medium, let the child form it then finish the details to make a pencil cup. Child can paint it the following day, and you can write the name and year on it last.

For a preschooler or older, I get them more involved. I’ve had plates made from pictures they drew. They made meals with little help. They’ve practiced and performed songs, skits, etc. They’ve written (or dictated) stories and songs. I had a child who took a math problem and turned each number and symbol into a different flower. I let the child’s interest lead.

Pinterest is your friend

We glued felt together in the design of a lion for my charge’s dad’s golf club one year. Got the pattern online and a two year old could do it.

Get one of the dad’s goes and make an imprint with washable paint and then do the same with one of your charge’s shoes or barefoot inside the dad’s shoe print. Frame it for hanging.

I’m jumping ahead here because any craft supply I may need has to be ordered. I always have my toddler charge make something for his mom (painted vase, mug, handprint, painting) but have no idea what he can make for his dad.

Any fresh ideas? Thanks, nannies.