Backpack's- Project #17

Last year for Christmas, I helped my daughter make these backpacks for her friends for Christmas. I was really proud of her. It was a good project for a girl her age to tackle. Not too hard, but enough of a challenge to give her a huge sense of pride and accomplishment!
Since we are in a new place, with new friends, it was the perfect gift to give again.
Again, the challenge was finding out how to correctly spell everyone's name (this one above, we weren't sure, so she just got an initial)
This one here was my favorite fabric.

While unpacking some boxes, I came across some notepads and pencils. We thought they would be perfect to fill the backpacks with.

I really liked doing this with my kids for several reasons:
1. By turning their focus to doing something for their friends, they took their focus off how many presents were under the tree for them. (At least for a little while)
2. It teaches them to be frugal: All the fabric and thread came from my stash, the only thing we had to buy was the cording. I made her buy it herself, but gave her a 40% off coupon from Hobby Lobby. (And yet, as cheap as these were, I think they were just as appreciated as any store bought gift!)
3. It teaches them some sewing skills.
4. It gives them a sense of accomplishment.
5. After all the effort they put into making gifts, they are more appreciate of the gifts they receive from others.
6. what better bonding than some mommy-time working on projects?