Painting Basket

Inspire his inner Renoir with a basket filled with various types of paints, paint brushes, paper, even paint-by-number scenes.  You can often find paint-by-number scenes to match any interest.  Or pick a spring theme, like this Bunny Paint Set available from Magic Cabin (Item # 824628, $24.98).

Weaving Basket

Weaving is relatively simple for children to do, and yet can provide rewarding results in a short period of time. This is a perfect craft for boys and girls.  Boys will enjoy making pencil cases for family and friends; girls will love making accessories for their dolls and themselves.  You can find weaving kits at many craft and hobby stores.  We especially like the Peg Loom Weaving Kit available from Magic Cabin (Item #89012, $19.98).  They also sell a kit for making a pouch from the loom (Item #829113, $12.98)

Beading Basket

This is just the thing for the girl who likes to turn small things into beautiful wearables!  Any craft store will have the necessary supplies for the beading beginner, from wire, to boxes of beads, to jewelry findings, to books about beading.  Another alternative to check out the bead craft kits available from Oriental Trading Company.  We've pictured one here -- the Easter Inspirational Beaded Charm Kit (Item #IN-48/4217.)  This kit makes 12 bracelets, but the beads could be used for other projects.  How about a matching necklace and bracelet set for mom and daughter?  

Design-Your-Own Drawing Basket

This basket would be especially appreciated by that budding architect, fashion designer, home interior designer or auto designer.  Fill the basket with a large assortment of color pencils, stencils, erasers and a sharpener, plus a book or two on how to draw their favorite items.  HearthSong has some great design kits, including a Interior Design Studio (Item #716511, $24.98), Fashion Design Studio (Item #716058, $24.98), Homes Around the World Design Studio (Item #716704, $24.98) and a Car Design Workshop (Item #716343, $24.98)

Card making Basket 

How about giving her a basket filled with all the supplies she needs to make great birthday cards for her friends and family?  This basket can be as elaborate or simple as you want it to be.  Include card stock (both plain and patterned), paper punches, embellishments, rub on letters or numbers, markers, ribbons and glue.  Even young children will love making their own cards!  For young children, who will not have the patience to cut and color, we recommend the Make Your Own Card kit from eBeanStalk.com , because it includes many precut shapes that just need to be cut out and glued on to the card stock paper.   

Make a Mask Basket

Here's a fun idea for kids who like to pretend!  Give them the supplies they need to make and decorate their own masks.  You can start by providing simple masks (the kind that just cover the eyes, which are often available at party supply stores.)  Add feathers, glitter glue, sequins and other items that they can use to embellish their masks.  For more advanced projects, we recommend the Make a Mask Kit from WonderBrains (pictured).  This kit includes easy-to-follow directions and ideas for elaborate, colorful masks with loads of inspiration for young imaginations to bring their own ideas to life! Just sculpt, plaster, paint, gloss, decorate and enjoy! Comes with one Facialform, one roll of MagicMold Plaster Gauze, six artist's paints, one artist's brush, and colorful 16-page guide.  (Item #EI00854, 15.97) 

Make Your Own Race Car Basket

Great fun for boys who love race cars!  We would include the Might Builders Race Car kit from WonderBrains which includes everything a boy needs to build his own unique race car. Wooden pieces easily fit together without cutting or glue to make a model that can be proudly displayed for all to see! Fast-rolling wheels and display stand included! Ages 6+. (Item #MD00883, $19.97)