This easy salt dough project encourages imagination and gift-giving.

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup salt
• 1/2 cup water
• Food coloring

1. Mix the flour, salt, and water. If necessary, add more flour until mixture has a doughy, but not sticky, consistency. Add food coloring for vibrancy. (Dough can be stored in a plastic container for a few days.)

2. Talk about giving gifts. Invite your child to think about the person he will be making his gift for. What colors does the recipient like? What are some of her favorite things? Does she have any collections, special interests, or hobbies?

3. Let your child work with the dough, shaping it into a sculpture, candleholder, small decorative plate — or anything he would like to make.

4. Allow to air dry and give as a gift.

Learning benefits:
• Promotes creativity
• Encourages generosity
• Builds fine-motor skills