Pebble Pals
These are great for kids to make, especially preschoolers and toddlers. My children are always picking up stones and rocks, this way they can pick them up, clean them. Then paint them and stick them in the garden, potted plants or make a "shoe box home" for your little pal. (They even make a great gift for Grandma/Grandpa or anyone with a garden. Plus they're CHEAP!!)
Materials
stones/rocks (smooth ones work best)
acrylic/craft paints in whatever colors you like
clear spray sealer matte/gloss (optional)
First be sure that your stones are clean. Wash them in water and I even like to bleach them so I know there aren't any critters on them. Let them dry completely. Now be creative! Pick an animal, bug, monster, etc... and paint the stone to resemble it. I suggest that you give the kids each one and give yourself one too. That way the kids can just go at it, and mom/dad or whomever can have fun too. If it doesn't look exact that's ok! After they have completely dried, an adult should take them outside (well ventelated area) and spray them with a sealer especially if they will be put in the garden or outside. Then put them where ever you want!
Bugs such as ladybugs work really well and most kids have success. You can also use glow in the dark paint and decorate them so they glow outside at night. Also another option is to just write sayings on them. These I have even seen in stores and are quite beautiful and a wonderful gift. Have Fun!