I really like my kids making Christmas presents for the family as well. They make the wrapping paper and cards to attach to the presents. I also take a photo of them dressed up in their Christmas outfits and print off a copy to put in each gift. I really want them to learn that it is fun to give and it is not always about getting.

For their first Christmas, I bought canvases stretched over a frame (they were $2 each from spotlight on sale for 12"x12") and they did a finger painting. They really look amazing and most of my family have them hanging in their houses or offices ... even some of our friends do. We have also got some porcelain paint (they come as pens as well) and bought a plate for each family member and the kids have drawn a picture on a plate and we have done those for presents as well. They cost about $4 a gift. My family really like them because they are practical art - they are something they can use. The canvas bags I bought this year were $20 for $12 and the coasters were about $5 for a set of 6.

Not really on the topic of advent but just in case anyone was interested.