The holiday season is filled with magic, especially for the little ones. What better way to capture a moment in time than with a craft that doubles as a cherished keepsake? These “This is the Hand You Use to Hold” printable gift tags are a sweet and personal way to adorn your presents.
They feature your child’s handprint, turning a simple gift tag into a memory you’ll both treasure for years to come. This simple tutorial will guide you through creating these adorable tags, perfect for adding a personal touch to gifts for grandparents, teachers, and other loved ones.
Craft Supplies:
Gathering your materials is the first step to crafting fun. You likely have most of these items at home already.
- Free Gift Tag Printable – from our landing page
- White Cardstock Paper {two sheets!}
- Washable Green Craft Paint
- Paper Plate
- Large Paint Brush
- Clear Contact Paper
- Scissors
- Embellishments
Directions:
Let’s get crafting! This process is simple enough for even the youngest helpers to get involved.
- Print the Tags: First, download and print the gift tag template onto your cardstock. Use scissors to carefully cut out each individual gift tag along the lines.
- Add a Name and Date: Don’t forget to write your child’s name and the age on the tag. This is what turns it from a simple decoration into a precious memento.
- Prepare Your Paint Station: Pour a small amount of washable green craft paint onto your paper plate. It’s a good idea to lay down some newspaper or a disposable tablecloth to protect your workspace from any potential spills or splatters. Have some wet wipes or paper towels ready for quick cleanup.
- Make the Handprint: This is the fun part! You can either have your child press their hand into the paint on the plate or use a paintbrush to apply an even coat of paint to their palm and fingers. Help your child carefully press their painted hand onto a single sheet of white cardstock paper. Press down firmly but gently on the back of their hand to ensure a clear print.
- Lift and Clean: Slowly lift their hand straight up to avoid smudging the print. Immediately wash their hand with soap and water or use wet wipes.
- Decorate: Use a brown marker or paint pen to draw a small tree trunk at the base of the handprint (near the wrist area). Leave other decorations till later on.
- Let it Dry: Set the printed sheet aside in a safe place to dry completely. This might take an hour or two, depending on how much paint was used.
- Laminate for Durability: Once dry, trim out the handprint cutout from the paper. Place your cutout {and tag!} in between two pieces of clear contact paper.
- Cut and Punch: Carefully cut out the handprint design from the paper. Decorate the handprint to resemble a tree, then punch a hole in both the handprint and the tag from earlier.
- Make It An Ornament: Thread a piece of festive ribbon or twine through the hole{s} and tie your unique, handmade tree AND tag together. Gift away or display proudly!
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This craft isn’t just for families at home – teachers can make these handprint Christmas tree tags with their students as a heartfelt holiday gift for parents. Imagine the joy on a parent’s face unwrapping a present adorned with their child’s handprint!
Whether at home or in the classroom, these tags turn simple materials into cherished keepsakes. Happy crafting, my friends!
