A Unique Gift Idea For Little Ones: Create A ‘Book Of Faces’

Stumped on what to gift the little ones in your life this Christmas? Read on…

My little boy was five months old when Coronavirus reshaped our lives. He is now nearing 15 months, and has had very little contact with his extended family in this time. I was worried that this lack of contact would result in him both not knowing who anyone was when he does see them in person, and in not being aware of just how many people love him in the meantime. And so, during one crafty naptime, I made him the very special gift of a (creepily named, I couldn’t resist) ‘book of faces.’

Or a ‘photo book’, if you will.

This book started off life as a disused photo album, and it was very easy to make. I simply made a list of people to include, found suitable photos of each – the hardest part, in reality – and placed them inside the album, with suitable captions that made the whole thing read like a story book (although just a photo and a label – ‘this is your grandma Joan,’ for example – would more than suffice, if you don’t feel like writing a children’s book today!)

When up from his nap, we sat together as a family, and read the story together, taking extra care to point out exactly who everyone was, and how they were related to his life. He loved it, and it remains one of his favourite things to read to date, often bringing it over to us, pointing to an individual, and looking very pleased when we tell him who it is.

Of course, being grabby handed, this first incarnation was completely destroyed within a couple of days. If your little person is also intent on destruction, the second coming of this book has faired much better, and was just as easy to do. I simply uploaded photos to Photobox, and used the site to create a baby board book. They often have discount codes, too, which makes things fairly inexpensive. Be sure to look out for codes on the homepage if nothing pops up! ♡

P.S. This gift is great not only because it’s cute and sentimental, but because studies show that children can recognise real life objects and people in photographs from nine months of age. In times of separation from loved ones, this can only be a good thing, as it sets them up for a more positive experience when they’re (finally!) reunited in person! And I don’t know about you but, for me, anything that tames a ’bout of separation anxiety sobbing is a very big win 😉