There's something special about the Christmas Seasons that brings out the best in people. I wanted to share a project that blended creativity, kindness, and a little holiday magic: Kindness Christmas Gift Bags for Kids.
You see, I’ve had the privilege of teaching kids at a model and talent agency, and let me tell you, they’ve always been one of my favorite groups to work with. They’re full of energy, laughter, and curiosity, but one thing that always stood out to me was how open they were to learning about kindness. I wanted to bring that lesson to life, especially during the tough, isolating times of Covid, when everything felt a little harder.
So, instead of the usual dinner party celebrations I’d throw for my students, I came up with a fun and meaningful way to send them off on a high note: by making Kindness Christmas Gift Bags that were all about giving back.
Here’s how I made the Kindness Bags come to life:
1. A Personalized Card for Each Student
The heart of the gift bags started with a personal touch. I grabbed a pack of blank Christmas cards, wrote a heartfelt note for each kid, and even threw in some fun Christmas stickers for the younger ones who couldn’t read yet. It was a small detail that made the bags extra special.
2. Small Gifts
I wanted the gifts to be fun, but also purposeful. I included:
Slime: A fun and playful treat.
Chocolate Stir Spoons: Something sweet and useful for their hot chocolate.
Mini Stockings: Tiny stockings they could decorate with glitter and glue, making them feel creative and proud of their work.
I chose things that were cute but also served a little purpose—something they could enjoy and engage with.
3. A “Card for Giving”
This was one of the most meaningful parts of the project. Each gift bag also contained a card for giving—a blank card with a message I wrote:
“Just because you matter and you are loved! Please enjoy this small gift! I hope this brightens your day and reminds you that you are worth so much, that there are people who care about you, and that there is ALWAYS hope!”
The kids were encouraged to decorate the right side of the card to make it even more personal, so they could give it to someone in need—someone who might not expect a surprise, but who certainly could use some kindness.
4. A Local Holiday Donation Guide
What good is a gift if you don’t know where it’s needed? I put together a donation guide for local and national organizations that would welcome these bags. Here are just a few to consider for any holiday donation project:
Locally:
Children’s Mercy (Multiple Locations)
City Union Mission (Multiple Locations)
Ronald McDonald House Charities (Multiple Locations)
Rose Brooks (KCMO)
Nationally:
Salvation Army
Toys for Tots
This guide gave the families the tools they needed to find a good place for their bags, helping them see firsthand how their small acts of kindness could make a huge impact.
5. An Empty Bag for a Purpose
To wrap it all up, I included a gallon-size Ziploc bag for them to fill with items they wanted to donate. I wrote a little poem on a note to explain the gift and its purpose:
“It’s the season for giving, and I wanted to get you something as special as you, So, here is my gift...or maybe just a few…
A yummy treat to stir your hot chocolate, Because you’ve been such a treat in class, and I’m so glad I taught it!
Some silly slime that oozes and spills, Because you’re always so fun and brought so many thrills!
A blank stocking for you to cover with glitter and glue, Fill it with your art, something as special as you!
And lastly, an empty bag for you to open and fill, Because the best gift to give is the one of goodwill. Please fill this bag with kindness and care, And give it to someone special to share!”
The poem tied it all together, turning the gift into something much more than just presents—it became a mission.
Why I Created These Bags
The goal was simple: teach kids that kindness is a powerful gift they can give to others and show them that their actions matter. We’re so quick to buy things, but sometimes the most meaningful gifts come from the heart—and that’s the message I wanted to send to these amazing kids. By encouraging them to give to others, I hoped to teach them that kindness isn’t just a seasonal thing—it’s a lifestyle.
How Can You Get Involved?
This doesn’t have to be limited to the holiday season! While it’s great for Christmas, this is an idea you can adapt year-round. Whether you're organizing a kindness project for kids or just want to encourage your own children to practice giving, these bags can be created for any occasion.
If you decide to create your own Kindness Bags, I’d LOVE to see them! Tag me on social media or drop a comment below to share your own kindness projects. The more we inspire each other, the more kindness we can spread!
Let’s make this world a little brighter—one act of kindness at a time.
Opmerkingen