The winter months can be a great time to get creative with your kids. As a crafter, I have a room full of gadgets, but even if you only have one gadget, chances are your kids get excited each time you break it out.

A great way to include them in your projects, without giving up your tools, is to set them up with their own age appropriate set. I personally have two boys under the age of five and I’ve found that these are the perfect items for them:

• Craft bag with pockets and dividers
• Rounded edge scissors, preferably with a tip cover
• Crayola’s washable markers (TaDoodles for toddlers)
• Crayola twist crayons (so my youngest doesn’t put them in his mouth)
• Crayola washable paint and smock
• 6″ ruler
• Small coloring or construction book
• Glue stick
• Pencils and sharpener
• Stencil templates
• Wooden toys

No matter what you put in their bag or box, just include them. They’ll benefit from learning from you and you’ll benefit from their beautiful smiles. Happy crafting!

Kim Byers is a creative party planner and shoppe owner at http://thecelebrationshoppe.com/. Get inspired for your next birthday party, girlfriend gathering or holiday on her blog at http://blog.thecelebrationshoppe.com or if you’re in the Columbus Ohio area, you can see her crafting segments on NBC Daytime Columbus.