Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Long Beach, CA

A while back we got a little book of crafts for kids, and I was disappointed to see that the instructions for all the projects began with "Get a parent to. . ." Sure, the crafts look more Martha if parents do all the work themselves, but doesn't that defeat the purpose? Here are a few inexpensive, easy holiday crafts that preschoolers can create with minimal help.

Kids are always bringing home "treasures" like seed pods and pine cones. Why not put them to use in a craft project? Tie a red or green ribbon to the top of a pinecone. Give your child the pine cone, a generous amount of peanut butter in a bowl, a butter knife, and a bowl of bird seed. Kids can spread the peanut butter on the pine cone, then roll it in bird seed. Hang it from a tree or the porch, and watch the birds enjoy their holiday treat.

Not sure what to give the relatives for Christmas? Spread out newspaper. Give your child a plain wooden picture frame (I buy them for a couple of bucks at the craft store) and let her go to town with washable paint. After the paint dries, frame a cute candid shot of your child for Granny.

While you're at the craft store, pick up some strong craft glue and a small wooden box or two. Kids can glue small objects like seashells, beads, or buttons to the box.

Buy a box of fruit-flavored o-shaped cereal (you know, the kind you would never actually let them have for breakfast) and some pipe cleaners. Kids can string the cereal on the pipe cleaners to make edible bracelets for friends.