This Op-ed I found on Courant.com prompted me to search for arts & crafts gifts as an alternative idea to toys. If you are paranoid about all the toy recalls and want to make sure your kids are safe this year why not give them gifts that will help develop their creative minds. Here are some ideas:
Sticker Assortment: $49.95 for 40 sheets
As a kid I was CRAZY about stickers! They are fun to collect, trade with friends, or use to be creative on just about everything.
Super Foam Stamping Sticks: $6.95
These stamps are easy for kids to hold and come in 12 “kid friendly” designs.
They also come in letters: Easy To Grip Uppercase Abc Stamps
Easy Origami 2008 Calendar: Folda-a- Day: $11.99
This calendar starts with basic origami folds & by the end of the year you will have skills to fold more “technical” origami models.
Parents: I suggest purchasing a pack of assorted colored origami paper so you can learn these skills with your child as they go. It will be a great family bonding experience. 
Design Your Own Canvas Box-Shaped Bags: $17.95 Makes 12
Maybe your child will grow up to be a famous bag designer!
Sport Ball Photo Frame Magnet Craft Kit: $6.95 Makes 12
These sports frames are great for birthday gifts for grandparents or other family members.
Coupons for stores selling these products:
Free Shipping on orders of $60 or more – Enter coupon code: RRRZC06
20% off $60 or more – Enter coupon code: RETPY08B
For more arts & crafts supplies click here.
About evette
These gifts seem like great ideas for any creative little ones in your family. My child would LOVE the “Design your Own Canvas Bags” kit!! One of my child’s favorite activity of the year has been this really great site Little Director brought to us by Kabillion. It allows your child to upload their drawings, animate them, add music, voice over, and much more, while getting the chance to add them to a DVD you can purchase and own forever! This is an amazing gift both for your child OR, from your child to you or the grandparents! The possibilities are limitless. It’s also VERY easy to use and geared right to kids doing this all on their own. I work with Kabillion and I thought I would pass this site on to other parents with creative children. I sure wish there was something like this when I was a child!Check it out at http://www.kabillion.com/littledirector and let me know what you think!