Stamped Gift Bags

We try to get our girls involved in giving, especially during the Christmas season – a time when it seems the focus for them (and probably most of us, actually!) is often on getting.

In addition to participating in Operation Christmas Child and other missions during the holidays (which we involve the girls with as well), this year we decided to give gifts to our neighbors. My toddlers and I decorated the paper gift bags using Christmas-themed stamps. They had a lot of fun (and so did I – haha)! We will also deliver all the gifts together. If your kiddos are older, they could get a bit fancier with how they decorate the paper bags. You could also use other stamps to decorate bags for other holidays and special occasions (Thanksgiving, Easter, birthdays, graduations, etc.). The possibilities are endless!

I thought they turned out pretty cute! I found the treat bags, stamps, and ink on Amazon.

“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’” 2 Corinthians 9:7

Acts of Love and Kindness Chart

Commit.

And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:6-9

Commit.

It’s my focus word for 2018. I’ve chosen to commit to teaching my children (and others) about Jesus. Of course, I will continue to teach my children about Jesus and weave it, hopefully, ever so seamlessly into my parenting beyond just this year. But, this year, this is the year that’s going to get me started on that path!

Last month my 2.5 year old and I (who am I kidding, it was just me) created an ‘Acts of Love and Kindness’ chart. At this point, you’re probably assuming I’m going to link you to a pin on Pinterest showing you where I found this idea. Am I right?? Well, guess what!? I did NOT find this on Pinterest, although I’m sure it’s out there :). I came up with the idea on my own! Actually, I take that back. I’m SURE the idea was given to me by the Good Lord above. I do NOT come up with ideas like this so easily!

Below the title of the chart, I included the second half of Galatians 5:14, For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Each circle on the chart represents something my daughter can do for someone else that is kind or loving. Every time she does something that’s on the chart, she puts a sticker in the corresponding circle. We love it!

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I’d love to hear your ideas! What ways do you teach your children about Jesus and how to be like him?