This 1931 craft featured Santa, but we make students the stars instead. Have kids think outside the box by describing what they would be if they were holiday gifts, then decorating their gift box. All you need are a few basic supplies and a little imagination!






Things You’ll Need:

Scrapbook paper (variety of patterns/colors)
Double-sided tape
Student photo
Torso template
Crayons, markers, beads, or other decorations

What to Do:

1 | Print out a copy of our torso template for each student.

2 I Have each child create a box using one sheet of 12” x 12" scrapbook paper. First, fold the paper into thirds twice to make nine 4” squares. Then, cut out the 4 lines on opposite sides of the center square (refer to our printable visual guide). Fold all side squares up, using the center square as the base of your box, and secure the sides with double-sided tape.

3 | Give each student a copy of the torso template and a photo of their face. Students can tape the photo to the template, and then decorate the shirt and hands using markers, crayons, construction paper, or other embellishments.

4 | Attach the decorated “self-portraits” to the box with double-sided tape.

5 | Pass out paper, and ask students to write an answer to the question: “If you were a gift, what would you be?” Finally, have them tape the sheet to the front of their gift box!



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Photo: Adam Chinitz; Crafter: Morgan Levine; Craft Research: Pari Deshpande Cohen